In April 2024, during the first multilateral meeting between INPI and the Intellectual Property Offices of South-East Asia – in the framwork of the ASEAN Working Group on Intellectual Property Cooperation (AWGIPC) – a decision to initiate a collaboration in the field of Geographical Indications was taken.
Why INPI?
- The importance of Geographical Indications for many ASEAN countries is well known; Geographical Indications provide significant opportunities for local producers and communities in terms of income generation, protection of biodiversity, sustainable rural development, and preservation of cultural heritage. Numerous studies have demonstrated their positive impact on the economy, regional development, employment, tourism, the preservation of traditional knowledge, and environmental conservation. Geographical Indications also benefit consumers, as they guarantee the origin and quality of products.
- Geographical Indications are a central and priority focus of INPI’s international cooperation initiatives.
In addition to the Geographical Indications training initiatives supported by France, the INPI and the ASEAN Secretariat have decided to organise a series of webinars to share the experience and expertise developed in France and Europe in the field of Geographical Indications. This will also be an opportunity to hear from stakeholders in South-East Asian countries.
The aim is to reach as many private and public stakeholders as possible in the 10 countries concerned. This cooperation will also be a way of connecting Asian Geographical Indications with France and Europe.
The topics covered during the webinars will be diverse. For instance, the first two webinars address control systems (held on January 21) and the quality management (scheduled on February 10), with contributions from French experts. Furtehr topics include: links with tourism, promoting Geographical Indications for better development at the local, national, or export level, as well as the presentation of success stories to better understand the key success factors of Geographical Indications.
For more information: Fabrice PERRONO – Intellectual Property Attaché for Southeast Asia and India, representing the INPI – fabrice.perrono@dgtresor.gouv.fr
