The Higher National School of Forests hosted on April 16, 2025 an official ceremony, during which the Wali of Khenchela handed over to the Groupement Agricole d’Intérêts Communs (Agricultural Group of Common Interests - GIC) and the Coordination des associations du Tapis de Babar « bab-n-war » ( Coordination of the associations of the Carpet of Babar "bab-n-war") which represent, respectively, the producers of honeybee from Chechar and the Carpet of Babar, collective trademarks protecting each of these products.
The acquisition of these intellectual property rights is a crowning accomplishment of a long process initiated in 2022, during which WIPO supported the producers in close cooperation with INAPI and the Business Incubators ( Pépinière des Entreprises ) of Khenchela, through training and awareness sessions, ongoing support, governance assistance, and guidance in the procedures related to the registration procedure related to the collective trademark.
It is therefore a result of this process that INAPI granted a collective trademark to each of the two products, making them the first in Algeria to benefit from such protection. These quality labels will allow these two products to be identified in the market, guarantee their quality to consumers, and prevent any form of illegal exploitation. Both are emblematic products of the Wilaya of Khenchela and several dozens of persons are working in these two segments for the benefit of dozens of families.
WIPO will continue to support the producers in the marketing phase that will be launched as soon as possible.
The handover of the two collective trademarks was the culmination of an event organized at the Higher National School of Forests, which was attended by nearly two hundred people, including dozens of producers of honeybee from Chechar and the Carpet of Babar. The latter organized an exhibition of their products on this occasion, showcasing their quality and providing information on their manufacturing methods.
The ceremony was furthermore marked by numerous statements, including those from the Wali, the Director of the WIPO External Office in Algeria, and the General Director of INAPI and the Agency for the Development of SMEs and the Promotion of Innovation (ADPMEPI).
The Higher National School of Forests signed framework agreement with each of the collective trademarks’ holders ( the Groupement Agricole d’Intérêts Communs and the Coordination des associations du Tapis de Babar « bab-n-war » ( Coordination of the associations of the Carpet of Babar "bab-n-war".) Under these agreements the School will put its expertise available for producers.
Furthermore, the University of Khenchela organized an Awareness Day on intellectual property on April 17 as part of the "Month of Intellectual Property." Presided over by the Rector of the University, with the participation of the Rectors of Constantine 2 and 3 Universities , the General Directors of INAPI and ADPMEPI, and the Director of the WIPO External Office in Algeria. Several interventions were made during this occasion, including those from the Rector of the University of Khenchela, the General Directors of INAPI and ADPMEPI, and the Director of the WIPO External Office. The discussions and presentations focused on innovation as a driver of economic and social progress, the role of the intellectual property system, and the significance of World Intellectual Property Day. More than two hundred teachers, researchers, and students participated in this Awareness Day.
Moreover, Radio Khenchela organized a debate on the role of IP as a tool for growth and sustainable development. This debate was animated by the Directors- General of INAPI and ADPMEPI and the Director of WIPO External Office.