Recently, Guizhou Provincial People's Government issues the “Opinions on Strengthening the Work of Geographical Indications of Agricultural Products to Promote the Economic Development (hereinafter referred to as opinions)”, first in China for overall coordination mechanism of geographical indication work.
It is indicated in the Opinions that a leading competent agency should be designated and responsible for the work of geographical indications to avoid the repetition of work by several government agencies. Taking into consideration the policies and technical features, it is provided that the competent agency for IP shall take the leading role and coordinate with agencies such as agriculture, industry and commerce, quality control.
According to the opinions, the following factors should be considered in the work of geographical indications: product reputation, industrialization level, development prospect, supervision facilitation and the linkage between the characteristics and quality of a product, etc. The names, types and territories of the geographical indications should be scientifically defined and Guizhou Provincial IP Office should work out the standards upon consultation with related agencies.
The Opinions make it clear that Guizhou Provincial IP Office should work with other agencies such as agriculture, industry and commerce, quality control to formulate the Proposed Directory of Geographical Indications for Protection of Special Agricultural Products in Guizhou Province. In addition, the Opinions provides for clear requirements in strengthening supervision on the geographical indications of special agricultural products, intensifying the protection of geographical indications, establishing incentive and supporting mechanisms, and enhancing the efforts of training talents of geographical indication.
