MCI invites the producers and those interested in the themes of International Trade to participate in the workshop on Geographical Indications, which will be held in the city of Riyadh during the period 10-11 Muharram 1436 AH corresponding to 3-4 November, 2014 AD, where the attendance will focus on the importance of protecting the Geographical Indications for each country, and they will give a definition and illustration of what could the states earn from the protection of their geographical indications, so that to have a value to be added to the National Economy.
It is well known that each country has got geographical indications. They make such country feels proud and they are considered the treasures and gift that Allah granted in its territories, and its citizens contributed in making such indications famous and well known, due to their creative abilities and talents. With the development of international trade, such indications have got high commercial value, where the products that bear the mark of those indications, would have added value.
MCI has embarked in the preparation of a draft law for the Geographical Indications to prevent natural and legal persons from using the National Geographical Indications unjustly, and to take advantage of the protection afforded by the Convention on the Commercial Aspects, related to Intellectual Property Rights in the World Trade Organization, which requires to benefit from its protection, that the geographical indications should be protected in the country of origin.
The draft law of the National Geographical Indications aims at protecting those indicators as an important aspect of the intellectual property rights, and the protection of national products which are famous in K.S.A. Regions, being geographical indications that are closely linked to places of production, and Saudi Arabia is considered the geographical origin of such products, and also prevent the exploitation of the name and fame of such products by unauthorized persons or parties, or counterfeiting such products in a way that is likely to mislead the consumers about the true origin of these products, or harm the owners who have the right to produce these products.
For those interested in the above mentioned workshop, they can register by entering the link:
http://www.mci.gov.sa/GIrform/Pages/default.aspx.