Intellectual Property Rights: Global Geographical Indications Products Expo Held in China's Sichuan province

In southwest China's Sichuan Province, an international exhibition is underway in Luzhou, displaying products that are famous and certified for their place of origin. They are called "geographical indications" and producers have come to the expo from France, Italy, Spain and many other countries. Guo Tianqi reports.

More than 1,000 geographical indication products from more than 20 countries and regions are taking part in this Expo. A China-EU agreement on geographical indications went into effect last year.

DUSAN BELLA Slovak Ambassador to China "We already bought and we are going to buy another one. So and it probably if there will be more time we will buy a quite a lot. I would say GI products are kind of flagship products of European Union and also China. And we will expand the scope of GI products. So I think this is an excellent idea to make promotion of these flagship products here."

China and EU have agreed mutual recognition and protection for more than 200 GI products. The China National Intellectual Property Administration says this agreement is a landmark result of deepening cooperation on intellectual property between China and EU .

GUO TIANQI Luzhou, Sichuan Province "Products that are rooted in tradition and history, such as cheese and tea, have certain characteristics that are directly linked to the region, where they are produced. So, the GI mark is not only a trademark, but also a guarantee of quality."

LUIGI PUCA Director, Chengdu Office, Italian Foreign Trade Agency "There is an ancient way to process this meat, so they are linked to the territory because to preserve this kind of meat to pursue that you need a unique environment, with the seaside wind mountains, the right temperature, and of course, there are a lot of knowledge that comes from you know years of experience."

Not all products made in a certain place can be labeled with the GI logo, they have to pass a lot of tests before they can be labeled with the place of origin.

FENG CHAOWEN Chairman, Luzhou Tianlyu Tea Industry "We only pick the single tooth, the length can not exceed one centimeter, the size must be symmetrical. Our planting process can not use herbicides, and all the procedures must meet hygiene standards."

Hand-made textiles with national characteristics are also included in the GI agreement. Producers say they can help China and Europe gain a better understanding of each other's cultures.

Source: news.cgtn.com-Guo Tianqi

Editor: IPR Daily-Selly