INTA

Dear NGO Representatives,

We are pleased to inform you that the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) and the International Trademark Association (INTA) will hold a policy dialogue (by webinar): “The potential of distinctive signs to promote inclusive and sustainable economic development” on Friday, 3 July 2020, at 15:00 (Geneva time).

This policy dialogue will touch upon the opportunities and challenges that may arise for producers in developing countries when using distinctive signs for products such as coffee and pepper. Panelists will inter alia share practical experiences from the ASEAN region and Zimbabwe and focus on the development potential of distinctive signs. The objective of the discussion is to inform policy makers in the areas of trademarks, related rights, geographical indications and economic and social development.

Cher(e)s représentant(e)s des Organisations non-gouvernementales,

Nous sommes heureux de vous informer que la Conférence des Nations Unies sur le commerce et le développement (CNUCED) et l’Association internationale des marques (INTA) tiendront un dialogue politique (en ligne) :

« Le potentiel des signes distinctifs pour promouvoir le développement économique inclusif et durable » le vendredi 3 juillet 2020, à 15 h (heure de Genève).

Ce dialogue politique abordera les possibilités et les défis qui peuvent se présenter pour les producteurs des pays en développement lorsqu’ils utilisent des signes distinctifs pour des produits tels que le café et le poivre. Les panélistes partageront entre autres leurs expériences pratiques de la région de l’ANASE et du Zimbabwe et se concentreront sur le potentiel de développement des signes distinctifs. L’objectif de la discussion est d’informer les décideurs dans les domaines des marques, des droits connexes, des indications géographiques et du développement économique et social.

A joint initiative of the International Trademark Association (INTA) and the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), this policy dialogue will touch upon the opportunities and challenges that may arise for producers in developing countries when using distinctive signs for products such as coffee and pepper. Panelists will inter alia share practical experiences from the ASEAN region and Zimbabwe and focus on the development potential of distinctive signs. The objective of the discussion is to inform policy makers in the areas of trademarks, related rights, geographical indications and economic and social development.

For registration, contact: tatlouembe@inta.org

Webinar Agenda for Friday 3 July 2020, 3:00 pm Geneva Time

Moderators: Mr. Christoph Spennemann (UNCTAD), Mr. Tat-Tienne Louembe (INTA)

15:00-15:15 Welcome and Introduction

•  Mr. Christoph Spennemann, Officer-in-Charge, Intellectual Property Unit, UNCTAD
•  Mr. Tat-Tienne Louembe, Representative, Africa, Middle East and IGOs, INTA

15:15-15:30 “The opportunities and limitations of coffee branding – Experience by small scale coffee farmers in Zimbabwe”

• Ms. Charlene Musiza, PhD candidate at University of Cape Town, South Africa

15:30-15:45 “The socio-economics of branding in enhancing eco-tourism – comparative analysis of the ASEAN region”

• Ms. Sanaz Javadi Farahzadi, IP/Trade Lawyer, Consultant to UN & EU

15:45-16:00 “The significance of the reputation of distinctive trademarks in inclusive and sustainable economic development”

• Ms. Natalia Dulkowska, Intellectual Property Lawyer, Member of INTA Harmonization of Trademark Law and Practice Committee

16:00-16:25 Open discussion

16:25-16:30 Closing remarks

• Mr. Christoph Spennemann