Qazpatent held a roundtable discussion on: Legal protection of geographical indications and their role in the development of Kazakhstan brands

On 17 February 2023, a round table on "Legal protection of geographical indications and their role in the development of Kazakhstan brands" was held with the participation of representatives of regional local executive bodies and chambers of entrepreneurs, territorial bodies of justice, as well as entrepreneurs.

Aisha Zhumabekova, Deputy Director of Qazpatent, and Modangul Tagbergenova, Chairman of the Chamber of Patent Attorneys of Kazakhstan, welcomed the participants to the event.

The event discussed topical issues of geographical indication protection at national and international levels. Particular attention was paid to the development of a promising area, which will contribute to the creation and promotion of unique brands of Kazakh products, as well as to the sustainable socio-economic development of rural regions of the country.

During the seminar, Ayagul Abitbekova, Acting Head of the Department of Trademarks, Geographical Indications, Appellations of Origin and Industrial Designs, gave a presentation on "Legal protection of geographical indications and their role in regional brand development".

Aizhan Nauryzgalieva, President of the Kazakhstan Association of Sugar, Food and Processing Industry, presented information about a unique product, the Aport apple, as well as experience in raising awareness about means of product individualisation through geographical indications. At the end of the presentation a film on current issues in the production of Aport was presented to the audience.

Marina Sirotina, Chief Expert of JSC "Center for Trade Policy Development "QazTrade" presented information on geographical indications in international trade agreements of the Republic of Kazakhstan. Issues of international practice of application of protected geographical indications for products, the situation in Kazakhstan, possibilities of registration of Kazakh products in the register of geographical indications of the European Union in relation to food products were explained.

The round table participants exchanged views on the issues raised and also agreed to continue cooperation in the area in question.