Meetings for the protection of Geographical Indications at the EUIPO headquarters.
The European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO) in Alicante, which deals with trademarks, designs and models of the European Union, has recently organised two meetings, in which the Consortium took part, that will increase the debate on the protection of GIs.
OriGIn and EUIPO, an international collaboration for the protection of GIs
From 10 to 11 June, the EUIPO hosted a bilateral meeting with oriGIn (International Geographical Indications Network Organisation), a body representing the most important Consortia at international level. During this event, there was a discussion on various crucial topics for the Consortia such as the EUIPO guidelines for registering trademarks; the impact of the new European Wine Regulation on GIs; international cooperation projects and information and protection tools for GIs.
Workshop on the protection of Geographical Indications
For years, the Consortium has been part of the OPSON project, an initiative developed by Europol as part of the fight against food counterfeiting. An important workshop was held in Alicante on the 17th and 18th, bringing together public and private sector representatives from the food and wine sector. Participants included the EUIPO, the European Commission and Europol, the Ministries of Agriculture and Economy of various countries, customs officials and law enforcement agencies; along with private sector representatives such as the Consortium of Prosecco DOC, Grana Padano, Comité Champagne and Scotch Whiskey Association.
Targets and New Protection Tools
The workshop provided an opportunity to enhance the synergy between the public and private sectors to take stock of the recent reform of GI regulations and improve supervision and control activities.
In this context, the Consortium held a training seminar aimed at the various authorities that, at an international level, deal with agri-food safety, providing the tools to recognise authentic Prosecco DOC and explaining the most common cases of infringement affecting the Denomination.
Among the various presentations, EUIPO announced the implementation of the Intellectual Property Enforcement Portal (IPEP), which will enable authorities to recognise original products from counterfeit goods and to contact rights holders and take action.
These meetings are a milestone towards better protection and awareness of Geographical Indications. By strengthening cooperation between all the actors involved, it will be possible to increase the valorisation of authentic products such as Prosecco DOC, obtained thanks to the daily work of the supply chains in full compliance with the production specifications.
