WIPO Director General at GI and Trademark Events in China
July 12, 2017
On June 29 and 30, WIPO Director General, Mr. Francis Gurry, attended the Worldwide Symposium on Geographical Indications and the WIPO-SAIC Trademark Award Ceremony in Yangzhou, China.
The Symposium, held for the second time in China, was organized by WIPO and the State Administration for Industry and Commerce (SAIC), supported by the People’s Government of Jiangsu Province and hosted by the People’s Government of Yangzhou City and Jiangsu Administration for Industry and Commerce. It was attended by around 300 participants, among which were 70 international participants from 50 countries.
Mr. Gurry delivered the opening speech, in which he highlighted the important branding function, as well as the socio-cultural and national heritage dimension of geographical indications (GIs). China’s commitment to the intellectual property (IP) system, including geographical indications was underscored by the presence and support of high-level officials. These include a message by Chinese Premier, Li Keqiang, read by Mr. Zhang Mao, Minister of SAIC, and a speech by Chinese State Councillor, Mr. Wang Yong.
Broad points of view
The Symposium’s program explored a wide range of perspectives on geographical indications, with special emphasis on recent developments in Asia, particularly in China. It allowed the expression of all points of view on geographical indications and fostered a better understanding of the protection and use of geographical indications as IP assets.
During the Symposium, Mr. Gurry, accompanied by Vice Minister of SAIC, Mr. Liu Juncheng, visited China GI’s Exhibition, which displayed a wide range of GI products from all across China.
WIPO-SAIC Trademark Award Ceremony
On June 30, Mr. Gurry, together with SAIC Minister, Mr. Zhang Mao, opened the WIPO-SAIC Trademark Award Ceremony, organized by WIPO and SAIC. The ceremony was intended to raise awareness about the importance of trademark protection and the use of the Madrid System. In total, 25 awards were presented to users of the trademark system in China.
High-level Yangzhou meeting
On June 28, Mr. Gurry met with top officials of the People’s Government of Yangzhou City, including Secretary of CPC Committee, Mr. Xie Zhengyi, Mayor Mr. Zhang Aijun, Vice Mayor Mr. Ding Yi and Vice Mayor Mr. Yu Ting.
