Geographical Indications as Added Value of Indonesian Products in the International Market
Indonesia is very rich in natural products and local culture. This can be seen in various types of products in almost every region starting from Cilembu Sweet Potato, Pondoh Snakefruit, and Gayo Arabica Coffee.
There are also products produced based on local culture, either in the form of products or local arts such as Gringsing Bali Weaving and Jepara Carving Furniture.
This diversity should be well managed for the Indonesian economy potential through geographical indications, as stated by the Indonesian Ministry of Justice and Human Rights – The Directorate General of Intellectual Property (DGIP) in the event of Learning Organization (Opera) of “Geographical Indications Protection Abroad Through Trademark and Sui Generis System” on Friday, September 9, 2022.
A geographical indication is an intellectual property rights regime with its special elements or characteristics. Geographical indications can be protected through a special regulation system, known as the Sui Generis protection system.
The Suis Generis system provides different protection for geographical indications separately from the trademark protection regime.
The Sui Generis system has been implemented in Europe, India, and several countries in Africa. While some countries protect geographical indications through the trademark regime for example in Australia, Canada, China, and the United States.
At the same event, the Geographical Indication Expert Team (Tim Ahli Indikasi Geografis/TAIG) explained the Suis Generis’ geographical indication characteristics that could be submitted for registration.
It should contain a depiction of the clear borderline of production areas that are identified as geographical indications, containing a description of the characteristics, quality, or product reputation, and production standards that must be adhered by the right holders.
In Indonesia, the legal basis of geographical indications is still at the ‘law in the books’ level which is regulated by Law Number 20 of 2016 concerning Trademarks and Geographical Indications.
Until September 2022, a total of 121 geographical indications were registered in the DGIP (106 geographical indications are from domestic products, while 15 geographical indications are from foreign products). Indonesia also has one geographical indication product that has been internationally registered in the European Union, namely Gayo Arabica Coffee.
International registration of geographical indication products provides benefits for Indonesia, for example as a product marketing strategy both in domestic and foreign trade.
Another benefit is that it can provide added value to the products and improve the welfare of the producers. In addition, this international registration also increases the product reputation of geographical indications in international trade, equitable treatment due to promotions from abroad, and as a tool to avoid unfair competition.
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Source: www.dgip.go.id
Photo illustration by Michael Burrows
Nugra & Partners – Intellectual Property Consultant
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