AQSIQ issue circular on implementing Outline of the National Intellectual Proper

Recently, AQSIQ has specially issued circular requiring all quality inspection bodies strengthening protection of Product of geographical indication and law enforcement of intellectual property when implementing Outline of the National Intellectual Property Strategy (hereinafter as Outline). The Outline points out in protecting special field intellectual property that a system of technical standards, a quality guarantee system and an examination system for geographical indications need to be established and strengthened. Carry out a thorough survey of geographical indication resources and give support to products of geographical indications. Promote the transformation of natural and humanistic advantages with regional characteristics into practical productivity. To implement the Outline, the circular puts forward three specific requirements on strengthening products of geographical indications protection. First, strengthen the construction of protection system. All quality inspection bodies should carefully summarize work experience of products of geographical indications protection and make efforts in advancement of geographical indications legislation; should combine products of geographical indications protection practice to study methods of strengthening geographical indications legislation construction, and actively participate in geographical indications lawmaking and research; should coordinate local government departments and industrial associations, formulate specific measures to strengthen local area products of geographical indications protection work, organize production enterprises to learn deeply related regulations on products of geographical indications protection, and strengthen monitor and administration on products of geographical indications protection. Thus the goal put forward by the Outline of establishing and strengthening special protection system for products of geographical indications protection with Chinese characteristics will be realized. Second, initiate geographical indication resources survey. The circular requires all inspection and quarantine bureaus directly under AQSIQ and provincial quality and technical supervision bureaus to organize the investigation of local geographical indication resources, to find out whether the production history, technology, popularity, connection of natural environment and social factors can meet the requirements of products of geographical indications. Based on geographical indication resources survey, the protection work should be strengthened, and the advantage of geographical indication resources should be transformed into advantages of economic development as soon as possible by development and protection. Products meeting the requirements of geographical indication protection should be covered in application, geographical indication protection system should accelerate local economy development, and natural and social advantages with local characteristics should be transformed into piratical productivity. Third, strengthen products of geographical indication protection system and maintain the quality of products of geographical indication protection. We should strengthen the study on technical standards system construction of products of geographical indication protection, form technical standards system of products of geographical indication protection with the main body of local standards, help products of geographical indication protection manufacturer and local government departments, strengthen approved technical standards of products of geographical indication protection, and initiate the construction of protection area for products of geographical indication protection. We should strengthen the inspection and quarantine system for products of geographical indication protection, and improve protection level for products of geographical indication protection. We should establish and strengthen quality ensuring system for products of geographical indication protection, and realize whole-chain monitor and traceability. We should summarize in time good monitor mode and promote the development of products of geographical indication protection work. The Outline also emphasizes that all local quality inspection departments should coordinate related departments and industrial associations, initiate geographical indication special anti-counterfeits activities, and investigate and handle law-breaking behaviors such as privately using or forging geographical indication name. Meanwhile, the circular requires strengthening the participation in negotiations of international and regional organizations on geographical indication issues, actively promoting our products of geographical indication gaining recognition and protection of foreign markets, and preventing the abuse of geographical indication protection of other countries or impinging on the rights of our related products.