Brussels Briefing n. 31Geography of food: reconnecting with origin in

the food system 15th May 2013

http://brusselsbriefings.net

Successes in GIs and other forms of protection in Africa and lessons

learned Getachew Mengistie Alemu, Intellectual

Property Consultant & Attorney

ROLE OF TRADEMARKS, CERTIFICATION MARKS & GEOGRAPHICAL INDICATIONS IN MARKETING AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTS: EXPERIENCE OF AFRICA

ByGetachew Mengistie, Intellectual Property Consultant and

Attorney

Presented at

The briefing meeting on geography of food: reconnecting with origin in the food system

15 May 2013, Brussels, Belgium

INTRODUCTION

Trade marks, Certification Marks and GI are elements of intellectual property

IP tools are commonly used by business in the developed countries and the newly ICs to: protect IP Assets market products and service improve competitive position, and maximize gain

Potential in using IP tools in Africa but little made and cases of misuse and misappropriation

Recent encouraging developments

ENCOURAGING DEVELOPMENTS

Increasing awareness of IP Marketing tools Countries/ producers have embarked on or are

in the process of protecting and managing their assets. Examples include:Moroccan Argan oilEthiopian fine coffeeKenyan teaUganda vanilla and SesameZanzibar clove

ENCOURAGING DEVELOPMENTS

Ongoing initiatives include Uganda cotton, Tanzania Arabica coffee and OAPI program

Limited to two success stories in Africa Moroccan Argan OilEthiopian Fine Coffee

ARGAN OIL MORROCCO Argan oil produced from

the kerneles of the fruit of Argan tree

Product has reputation & good will in the international market

Challenges include misuse, consistency in quality and lack of incentive to maintain & develop AT

ARGAN OIL MORROCCO Identification of

qualities, product specification, organization of producers

Registration of GI Improvement in

earning, quality of the product and maintenance of the tree

ETHIOPIAN FINE COFFEE TRADE MARKING & LICENSING INITIATIVE Ethiopia produces

some of the finest coffee in the world but gained very little.

Inadequate return and fluctuation of price had adverse impact

Problem of misappropriation

ETHIOPIAN FINE COFFEE Implemented an IP and

branding strategy Secured TM ownership

of coffee designations & strengthened partnership

Change in marketing position

Improved income and living standard etc.,

CHALLENGES IN USING IP TOOLS

Lack of awareness of the significance of IP tools, need for protection, management & promotion

Lack of or inadequate knowledge of legal regimes by producers and relevant stakeholders

Inadequate capacity to identify distinctive characteristics of products, understand supply & value chains, develop and implement IP strategy

Lack of organization of producers, weak or non inclusive organizations

CHALLENGES IN USING RELEVANT IP TOOLS

Difficulty in bringing together and unifying diverse stake holders

Lack of or inadequate resource in protecting, managing and promoting intangible assets- Cost involved in the protection, management and promotion

Lack of capacity to monitor infringement and enforce IPR

Expectations for immediate return and change

CONCLUSION

IP tools help in capturing intangible values of distinctive agricultural products or goods derived from agricultural products and enhance the income of farmers and countries

Huge potential in Africa Need to:

Create awareness Build capacity in identifying intangible assets, protecting,

managing, promoting t IP assets etc , Ensure ownership of initiatives by key stakeholders Have initial support from government and development partners

Thank you very much for your attention!!getachewal@gmail.com