The Lin-gang Special Area Administration, in collaboration with the Shanghai Intellectual Property Administration, officially launched the Manual for the Application of Protection for Foreign Geographical Indications in China, the first publication of its kind in the country.

The manual provides a comprehensive overview of the legal basis, application procedures, technical review and approval, objection handling, and supervision management related to geographical indication (GI) protection. It serves as a convenient guide for rights holders to fully understand the rules governing GI protection.

A representative from the Lin-gang Special Area's administration for market regulation stated that the manual aims to offer foreign GI right holders comprehensive operational guidance and support them in safeguarding their interests within an open and transparent institutional framework, thereby protecting consumer rights.

Going forward, the Lin-gang Special Area will enhance business environment optimization and protection mechanisms and provide enterprises with professional consultation and services to facilitate the entry of foreign GI products into China.

The release of the manual in Lin-gang underscores the area's strong commitment to intellectual property protection. By offering authoritative and standardized operational guidance for foreign GIs seeking protection in China, this initiative will further promote healthy development in international trade and enhance international exchanges and cooperation in intellectual property rights.