Addis Ababa: An international conference, which aims to tackle the challenges Ethiopia has been facing with respect to ownership and market competition globally, will be held in Addis Ababa from June 3-4, 2025, the Ethiopian Intellectual Property Authority (EIPA) announced today.
According to Ethiopian News Agency, World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) Director-General Daren Tang is expected to attend the Intellectual Property Rights Geographical Indication Conference. EIPA Director-General Woldu Yemessel, while briefing the media on the upcoming conference, said it will have participants from different parts of the world, including the UK, China, and African countries.
During the conference, the Ethiopian Intellectual Property Authority will present its draft law on Geographical Indication of intellectual property for assessment. A Geographical Indication (GI) is an intellectual property right that protects the name of a product originating from a specific geographical location, with qualities or reputation due to the origin. It ensures that only products from the designated area, meeting specific criteria, can use the protected name.
Woldu emphasized that GIs are crucial for distinguishing local products, assuring consumers of authenticity and quality, and preventing fraudulent use of the name. Although Ethiopia is endowed with several agricultural products and handicrafts, the director-general stated that the country has been facing challenges at global market competition and ownership rights.