Workshop on Geographical Indications for the Mexican Market

Protected Geographical Indications (GIs) are a powerful tool for sustainable development, prosperity, and preservation of traditional know-how and local culture. Increasing awareness of their importance in these functions was the goal of a one-day online workshop on to the protection and enforcement of GIs in Mexico, organised by IP Key LA and IMPI Mexico.

Experts from Mexico and the EU recognised the significant partnership that the EU and Mexico have achieved, as well as the importance of acknowledging the value of all sorts of different work. This is particularly true when it comes to GIs, since agriculture, food production and artisanal work play a fundamental role in the development of communities across our regions.

One of the main conclusions of the event was the importance of control and enforcement at multiple levels. At a base level it means making sure that products comply with certification requirements; at customs level it means preventing unauthorised trade and counterfeiting; and at the local IP office level it means detecting attempts to register similar names to those protected by Geographical Indications or Origin Denomination rights.