Chinese GI products shine at IP conference in Beijing

BEIJING, Sept. 16 -- An exhibition hall, filled with booths showcasing pomelos, pears, mushrooms, and the enticing aromas of black tea, mooncakes and spicy rice noodles, could easily be mistaken for a food expo, but it was actually part of an intellectual property (IP) conference.

The products, displayed at the 13th China Intellectual Property Conference held last week in Beijing, all share a common name: geographical indication (GI).

GI is a type of IP that signifies a product's specific origin and the qualities or reputation linked to that location. It serves as a mark of quality, setting the product apart from competitors. Notable GI examples include French Champagne and Chinese Kweichow Moutai.

In the GI exhibition area of the conference, domestic GI products from Guangxi, Guangdong and Shaanxi drew large crowds of visitors, photographers and vloggers.

According to the latest data released by China's IP authority, China has approved 2,523 GI products and seen the registration of 7,385 GI trademarks as of the end of August. The quality and quantity of the country's GI products and trademarks ranked among the top in the world.

Products with GIs not only become top choices for consumers but also drive the growth of regional economies and local industries.

Zhashui fungus, a specialty from Zhashui County in Shaanxi Province, attracted many consumers at the conference. This product is highly nutritious thanks to the local geographical environment and climatic conditions. The staff at the exhibition booth said that the local government has established a modern industrial park and collaborated with scientific research teams to promote the industry.

The Chinese GI product has also secured EU trademark registration, marking its entry into the international market.

Hu Wenhui, deputy commissioner of the China National Intellectual Property Administration (CNIPA), said that the direct annual output value of China's GIs has increased consistently since 2020. In 2023, the direct output value of GIs in China surpassed 961 billion yuan (about 139.1 billion U.S. dollars).

Apart from boosting the economy, GI plays an important role in protecting regional culture.

The Suzhou embroidery from Zhenhu, Jiangsu Province, is not only a Chinese GI but also an intangible cultural heritage with a history of 2,000 years. It has regained popularity through IP licensing and collaborations for modern products like watches, headsets and even video games.

At a breakout session on integrating GI cultural communication with modern value, Zhang Xue, an inheritor of Suzhou embroidery, said that his team has applied for 42 patents and more than 1,000 copyrights.

Global GI specialties like Thai fish sauce also received significant attention at the conference. China has emphasized the importance of international GI cooperation.

A total of 110 Chinese GIs have been ensured protection globally, while 142 products from France, Britain, the United States, Mexico, the European Union and other countries and regions have received GI protection in China.

Guo Wen, a senior official of the CNIPA, said at the conference that China will continue to enhance its GI protection efforts by establishing demonstration zones and enforcing stricter laws.

China looks forward to working with the global community to bring greater benefits to the people, Guo noted.

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