Component 3 for Intellectual Property Rights, implemented by the European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO), has launched a new mentoring programme in collaboration with Artesanías de Colombia and the National Institute of Industrial Property of Chile (INAPI). This initiative is aimed at artisanal products with strong territorial links in Colombia and Chile, with the objective of promoting their sustainable development through strategic intellectual property (IP) tools, such as geographical indications (GIs) and collective trademarks.
This programme, developed under the AL-INVmentor initiative, represents the first mentoring experience focused on artisanal products. It is designed to train and accompany groups of local producers on key issues such as brand creation and positioning, organisational governance, sustainability and the preparation of technical documentation to access official recognitions such as GIs.
In this edition, producers of two emblematic products will be accompanied: silk from Cauca in Colombia and wicker from Chimbarongo in Chile.. Both groups will receive specialised mentoring from IP experts between June and September 2025. The mentoring will combine face-to-face and virtual training sessions focusing on IP protection strategies, product identity, organisational management and marketing.
One of the main axes of the accompaniment will be the joint design of branding and marketing strategies adapted to the particular characteristics of each product of origin. In addition, participants will receive technical support for the elaboration or improvement of their specifications, a fundamental document for the application for recognition under IP figures such as GIs or collective brands.
By strengthening the commercial and strategic capacities of artisanal producers through effective intellectual property tools, this mentorship contributes to local economic empowerment, the valorisation of cultural heritage and sustainable territorial development in both countries. This action is also in line with the European Union's objectives to promote more inclusive and sustainable value chains, as well as to support products with geographical indication in Latin America.
EUIPO has solid experience in the field of geographical indications and origin-linked products. It is now preparing to take on its new role as the EU's registration office for artisanal and industrial GIs, with the first call for applications opening on 1 December 2025. For more details, please visit: https://www.euipo.europa.eu/en/gi-hub.