13 November 2009, Chongqing

IPR2 supported a public forum on the protection of Geographical Indications (GIs) and appellation of origin, together with the Chongqing Municipal government, the authorities in charge of intellectual property, agriculture, quality and technology supervision in Europe and China as well as industry, as part of progressing EU-China negotiations on mutual GI recognition.  

The forum, with some 140 participants, was opened by the Chongqing authorities including Mr Tao Changhai, Vice Secretary-General of Chongqing Municipal People’s Government, Mr Zhang Zongqing, Director General of Chongqing Quality and Technology Supervision Bureau, Mr Yuan Jie, Director General of Chongqing IP Office, Mr Wang Jiuchen, Deputy Director of Chongqing Agricultural Committee and Mr Jerzy Bogdan Plewa, Deputy Director-General from the Directorate-General of Agriculture and Rural Development of the European Commission.

The discussion addressed the different systems of protection in Europe and China with speakers coming from, the Chongqing Municipal Government and the local Quality and Technology Supervision Bureau, as well as commercial users of GIs. 

EU_systems_for_Geographical_Indications_and_agricultural_products_and_foodstuffs, Cristina Rueda Catry, European Commission DG Agriculture and Rural Development 1.68MB

Systems_of_protection_of_Geographical_Indications_in_China, Feng Liming, Camus of France 1.49MB

How_GI_protection_reflects_on_product_quality_and_the_local_economy, Rafael Fernández Ibiza, LB&A Lawyers, Spain 986.22 KB

Promotion_of_geographical_mark_protection_for_the_rural_economy, Zhang Yumin, Southwest University of Political Science and Law, IP Research Centre 50.82 KB

This forms part of IPR2's work in supporting right holders with information on European and Chinese IP systems and legislation. 

Useful links

European Commission DG Trade including an international GIs handbook

European Commission DG Agriculture and Rural Development including GI protection schemes

Ministry of Agriculture of China (MoA)

General Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine of the People's Republic of China (AQSIQ)  

Q&A Manual: European Union Legislation on Geographical Indications May 2008

For more information on GIs protection, contact Mr Carlo Pandolfi This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . 

For general information on IPR2, contact Ms Tamryn Barker This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . 

[IPR2 ref: CC5.AW2.001]