Seminar on Geographical Indications and Collective Marks
September 21, 2018
From August 9 to 11, 2018, the WIPO Brazil Office (WBO) and partners SEBRAE, as well as INPI/Brazil and INPI/France, jointly held their Third International Seminar on Geographical Indications (GIs) and Collective Marks (CMs).
The event, which aims to promote the importance of the strategic use of intellectual property (IP) assets to SMEs, took place in Belo Horizonte and welcomed 300 participants, mostly small local and regional producers. A Farmers’ Market was held on the third day, offering regional products to the local population.
The Seminar provided an opportunity for rich debate on how to improve and strengthen existing GIs and CMs through appropriate public policies and business strategies, with an aim to increasing market access.
WIPO, with the support of FIT/France, invited seven international experts, three from France, three from Latin America (Mexico, Guatemala and Chile) and one from Morocco. SEBRAE invited twenty-five regional speakers.
GIs and Brazil
Geographical indications are of major importance for a country like Brazil, with its immense richness and cultural diversity. They not only improve product quality and manufacturing processes but also enhance local and regional culture and promote economic and social development.
SEBRAE—The Brazilian Service to Support Small and Medium-sized Enterprises—has developed a policy to stimulate local and regional producers in the search for potential GIs.