26 January 2024. AL-INVEST Verde Component 3 launches IPR Mentoring Programme ALINVmentor I. This initiative is the first in a series of mentoring programmes aimed at promoting the use and development of IPR (Intellectual Property Rights), with a particular focus on Geographical Indications (GIs) and trademarks. These IPRs play a vital role in driving innovation, competitiveness and sustainability. The objective of the programme is to help businesses adopt sustainable growth and production practices, strengthen consumer confidence and facilitate the transition to a green economy in Latin America.
Geographical Indications (GIs) are key to adding value to local products, preserving cultural heritage and promoting environmentally friendly production methods. Other types of intellectual property rights, such as trademarks, certifications and collective brands, also serve as tools to support sustainability and enable knowledge sharing. The AL-INVEST Verde IPRs Mentoring Programme aims at to guide producers in obtaining legal protection against unauthorised sustainability claims.
The programme will operate mainly in Mercosur countries, with a special focus on regions and products that are of significant importance for regional trade and EU trade and environmental policies. Examples include the Amazon rainforest and the Gran Chaco biome, with products such as coffee and cocoa. Although the focus is mainly on agricultural products, handicraft or manufactured products can also be included.
In its initial phase, the programme will prioritise the upgrading of local value chains through the GI system by involving key stakeholders. To this end, Origin-Linked Products will be identified, mapped and potential candidates and producer groups will be identified according to their origin and type. These groups will then be provided with specialised mentoring and training.
A key objective of the programme is to promote sustainable production methods within the GI framework. This includes responsible resource management, conservation efforts, energy efficiency and social equity. The approach will involve the participation of various stakeholders such as farmers, producers, government agencies, consumers and advocacy groups to achieve these sustainability goals.
About AL-INVEST Verde
AL-INVEST Verde is a European Union (EU) programme whose main objective is to promote sustainable growth and job creation in Latin America by supporting the transition towards a low-carbon, resource-efficient and more circular economy. Through Component 3, AL-INVEST Verde IPR, led by the European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO), the programme seeks to achieve greater use and effectiveness of intellectual property rights in Latin America, particularly in the MERCOSUR countries and Chile, to boost opportunities for research cooperation and stimulate competitiveness and sustainable innovation.
