OriGIn General Assembly 2005

Project Overview

Location:
Hangzhou, China

Dates:
Jul - Dec 2005

Funding Body:
OriGIn/Italian Government

Project Status:
Completed

A Geographical Indication (GI) is a form of intellectual property. It is a distinctive sign used on goods that have a specific geographical origin and possess certain qualities and a good reputation due to its geographic origin. A GI can have great benefits for rural development in a region where it is developed as a way to create a niche market and develop a price premium for a particular product.

OriGIn is the Organization for an International Geographical Indications Network which works to promote GIs around the world.

This project involved DS collaborating with OriGIn to celebrate its second General Assembly in Hangzhou, China on November 14th and 15th 2005.

This meeting allowed for the exchange of experiences between OriGIn members (representing all 5 continents of the globe) and Chinese GI producers, on the added value of GI and traditional products. Participants discussed the means to promote and protect all traditional products and Geographical Indications. OriGIn presented the activities undertaken since its creation and defined an action plan for 2006-2007. Prior to the 2 day General Assembly the OriGIn network also delivered training and exchanges on European and international best practices to AQSIQ and other Chinese administrative bodies involved in the IP enforcement and protection of Chinese GIs.

The training programme enabled institutional strengthening for regulatory and administrative enforcement bodies working in the area of GIs at both local and national level. It also supported the strengthening of local, ground-level operational management and development of Geographical Indication products.

OriGIn General Assembly, Hangzhou China, 14th - 15th November 2005