China, France Deepen Cooperation in geographical indications Trade

In the first quarter of the year, trade between China and Europe increased, tea (up to 54%), beer (21%), apples (69%), and cheese (56%). More than 60 French GI (geographical indications) are protected in China. The figures are clearly attained as a result of the agreement between China and the EU, as well as another agreement between China and France, strengthening the further cooperation in the trade of GI.

France has the most extensive program of cooperation with China in the field of geographical indications and provides protection to the largest number of these indications.

China is carefully working to ensure that its GI system is organically linked to international norms. For example, the National Intellectual Property Administration of China (CNIPA) has issued measures for the protection of foreign GI products to further simplify the submission of applications by foreign users.

France has also made great efforts to form a system of administration of the State Institution. "France plays a crucial role in the development of GI," said Pascal Faure, head of the National Institute of Intellectual Property (INPI) of France, noting that the concept of "appellation of origin" was born in France, and later adopted by the EU. In addition, to expand the scope of protection, in 2014, France created a local structure for the protection of industrial and handicraft production. By the beginning of April, France had approximately 464 GI goods.

Thanks to the unremitting efforts of both sides, the two countries are getting closer in terms of GI. The signed GI agreement opens a new way of bilateral cooperation. "The signing of this agreement provides strong support for a broad exchange of information on the legislation and practice of using GI, which promotes communication in the field of agriculture and food," said Marie Guitard, director of the National Institute of Origin and Quality (INAO). Today, more than 60 French GI products are protected in China through bilateral cooperation projects, the China-EU pilot program on mutual recognition and protection of GU "10+10" and the Agreement on GU between China and the EU.