WIPO China: Advancing Geographic Indication Protection and Utilization for Wider Benefits | CIFTIS 2023 Highlights Series Ⅲ

September 11, 2023

Beijing, September 5, 2023 - The International Conference on Geographic Indication (GI) and Brand Distribution Service, held as part of the China International Fair for Trade in Services 2023 (CIFTIS) in Beijing, focused on the theme "Strengthening Geographical Indication Brands and Enabling Rural Revitalization." During this event, discussions and exchanges revolved around the protection, utilization, management, and innovative marketing of GIs. Ms. Liu Hua, Director of the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) Office in China, attended and addressed the Conference.

Ms. Liu Hua began her speech by reflecting on the fruitful 50-year relationship between the WIPO and China. During his official visit to China in April, WIPO Director General Daren Tang emphasized that the past 50 years have seen China harnessing the power of intellectual property (IP) for growth, making a new chapter in China's 5000-year journey of Chinese innovation, invention, and creativity. WIPO has played a vital role in amplifying China's IP stories through initiatives like "World IP Day" and the "WIPO Global Awards."

Ms. Liu underscored the significance of GIs, as well as WIPO's close collaboration with China in this regard. Supported by the WIPO Fund-in-Trust China, GIs such as Cambodia's "Koh Trong Pomelo" and "Kampot Sea Salt," as well as Senegal's "Casamance Fruit," have successfully entered international markets through strategic GI branding. WIPO has also partnered with China to organize GI training sessions targeted for African countries, assisting them in leveraging GIs for local economic growth. Ms. Liu highlighted WIPO's recent field visit to Sichuan in July, underscoring the organization's commitment to learning from China's experiences. In the future, WIPO looks forward to China's early accession to the Lisbon System to further enhance the role of GIs in promoting regional sustainable development.

Ms. Liu mentioned that China has led to the emergence of several globally influential GI brands in recent years. China ranks first in the number of effective GIs globally, with 2,495 GI products approved and 7,076 GIs registered as collective and certification trademarks by the end of 2022. The annual direct output value of China's GI products has surpassed 700 billion RMB, contributing significantly to rural revitalization, exemplified by cases like "Sangzhi Zongzi Leaves." Furthermore, China's GIs continue to gain international recognition, with 244 GI products mutually recognized and protected with the European Union.

In his speech, Mr. Bruno Masier, President of the World Trade Point Federation, underscored the importance of safeguarding geographical indications and proactively promoting local brands. He emphasized that these efforts could have a positive impact on employment generation and poverty alleviation, aligning with the United Nations' 2030 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Mr. Zhang Zhicheng, Director of the Protection Department at CNIPA, outlined China's strategic vision for GIs. He outlined plans to enhance the management systems for GIs, imbuing them with deeper cultural significance. Furthermore, he stressed the need for stronger international collaborations to maximize the role of GIs in improving people's quality of life and advancing high-quality development.

This conference, jointly organized by the WIPO Office in China, the World Trade Point Federation, the Beijing Municipal Commerce Bureau, and the Beijing Municipal Commerce Bureau, brought together representatives from government agencies, international organizations, trade associations as well as experts, scholars and industry leaders. They delved deeply into the latest developments and future directions of GI protection, utilization, and brand distribution services.