The State Agency on Intellectual Property (AGEPI) organized on April 13 a thematic meeting with the State Inspectorate for Supervision of Non-Food Products and Consumer Protection (SISNPCP) in order to discuss the topic of geographical indications (GIs) and appellations of origin (AOs) of Georgia, which will be protected following the ratification by the Republic of Moldova of the Agreement on Mutual Recognition and Protection of Geographical Indications, signed in Tbilisi on February 1, 2023.

In the opening of the meeting, Andrei Popa, Deputy Director General of AGEPI, highlighted the importance of protecting geographical indications in different countries and emphasized the need for increased attention in enforcing intellectual property rights (IPR) in the Republic of Moldova, in the context of the European integration process of our country. He also mentioned that, although the Republic of Moldova has already a modern legislation in the field of intellectual property, largely aligned with the relevant European Acquis, there are still many aspects that need to be improved and updated in order to adapt to European standards.

In addition, Andrei Popa emphasized that geographical indications play an important role in promoting and protecting traditional products and cultural heritage, as well as in the economic development of specific regions. Therefore, a strategic approach to the recognition and protection of GIs and AOs is needed, both nationally and internationally.

Next, Sergiu Daranuta, head of SISNPCP, reiterated the importance of IPR enforcement and emphasized that this represents a challenge for all institutions, including those of the state. He stressed the fact that timely information and close cooperation between the institutions responsible for the application of the legislation is the basic link for enforcement and adequate protection of intellectual property rights in the Republic of Moldova.

Simion Levitchi, head of the Trademarks and Industrial Design Department of AGEPI, made a foray into the national geographical indications system and presented information with reference to all the agreements concluded by the Republic of Moldova in this regard.

Next, the representatives of AGEPI and SISNPCP discussed the protection mechanism of GIs and AOs in the Republic of Moldova, in order to ensure a high level of protection for consumers.

Finally, the parties emphasized the importance of organizing similar thematic meetings in the future to discuss various topics related to IP protection and welcomed the fact that the Observatory on Enforcement of Intellectual Property Rights represents in this regard a perfect platform that facilitates cooperation and exchange of information between the institutions involved in IPR enforcement in the Republic of Moldova.