GENEVA, DECEMBER 6 – The Permanent Representative of Italy to the International Organizations in Geneva, Ambassador Gian Lorenzo Cornado, joined the presentation of the results of the “GI Trends” 2022 Panel, introduced by the President of oriGIn Riccardo Deserti, at the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO).
As a global alliance that includes 40 countries (including Italy) and represents about 600 producer associations in multiple sectors, “orIGin” aims at promoting the legal protection and the application of Geographical Indications at national, regional and international level as a tool for sustainable development for producers and local communities.
“Almost half of Italy’s GDP and almost a third of Italian employees are linked to intellectual property rights,” recalled Ambassador Cornado, underlining how “intangible assets are at the heart of the competitiveness of our companies in many strategic sectors, including that of Made in Italy”. Cornado stressed that Italy “is committed to build respect for any type of IP in the global market, offline and online”. He also recalled how Geographical Indications and Designations of Origin remain “strongly connected to our national and local identity, as part of the Italian cultural heritage”
The “GI Trends” survey shows how the turnover of Geographical Indications manufacturers has grown during the Covid-19 pandemic, despite the increase in production costs, reaching 63,4 billion euros. Exports, in particular, reached 45,2 billion euros, equal to 58% of the aggregate turnover of the Geographical Indications analyzed. “These are impressive figures which confirm the tremendous socio-economic impact of GIs worldwide. The groups in 2022 Panel represent a model of territorial development which can be useful for other recognized as well as potential GIs around the world. Symbolically, launching the first survey edition at the WIPO signals that a solid international legal framework is crucial to preserve the socio-economic value represented by GIs worldwide”, says the President of oriGIn Deserti. (@OnuItalia)
