On November 24-25, 2022, a regional symposium on geographic indications and an exhibition of geographic indications jointly organized by the Intellectual Property Agency of the Republic of Azerbaijan, the Turkish Patent and Trademark Office (Türkpatent) and the National Intellectual Property Center of Georgia (Sakpatenti), with the support of the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) was held in Antalya, Republic of Türkiye.

The main goal of the event was the exchange of experience in the field of protection, collective management and commercialization of geographical indications

At the opening ceremony of the Symposium video-address of video-address of Mr. Kamran Imanov – Chairman of the Board of Intellectual Property Agency was demonstrated. Noting that he was pleased with the presentation of Azerbaijan's geographical indicators and brands, Mr. K. Imanov expressed his gratitude to all the organizers of the event, first of all, the World Intellectual Property Organization and the Turkish Patent and Trademark Office for the opportunity to exhibit them.

In Mr. K. Imanov's address, it was emphasized that the recognition and preservation of the cultural diversity of peoples, the promotion of their forms of cultural expression as a source of "cultural capital" has always served to stimulate creativity and enrich the treasure of intellectual property with innovations. This noble mission carried out through the names of origin gives visitors the opportunity to get acquainted with the ancient history of the Azerbaijani people and its rich culture. The products identified by the many geographical indications presented are created, produced and passed down from generation to generation to the heirs of the places of origin based on traditional methods and knowledge. However, a number of such products bear the characteristic features of creative heritage based on the traditions of the respective region and belong to the category of intangible cultural heritage called traditional cultural expressions (TCE) and traditional knowledge (TK). TCU and TK are protected in the sui generis regime in Azerbaijan, but geographical indications act as an indirect protection tool due to product standards.

Pointing out that the examples of geographic indicators (brands) presented at the exhibition have a remarkable feature, Mr. K. Imanov said that they originate from our historical and cultural past, present the traditions of Azerbaijan, the inheritance and continuity of the intellectual property of the Azerbaijani people at the modern stage.

It was noted that the pearls of Azerbaijani national cuisine - dolma and Shaki baklava, our mineral waters and wines, national handmade art samples - carpets and kalaghayi, national musical instruments - tar, kamancha and daf, as well as the art of coppersmithing represent the spiritual world, intellect and mentality of our ethnos. They are the bearers of the spirit of our culture.

Mr. K.Imanov emphasized that these examples are included in UNESCO's Representative List of Intangible Cultural Heritage and said that he is sure that the selected elements of the Azerbaijani culture on exhibition will provide extensive information about our rich and ancient culture and wished success to the activity of the event.

The Head of Türkpatent Mr. Cemil Bashpinar, the Deputy Head of Sakpatenti Nino Chikovani, the Director of Division for Transition and Developed Countries of WIPO Mr. Habip Asan also spoke at the opening of the Symposium.

At the event attended by representatives of more than ten countries, Azerbaijan was represented by a delegation led by Mr. Sanan Tapdigov, Member of the Board of the Intellectual Property Agency.

At the seminar, Mr. S.Tapdigov made a presentation about the intellectual property system of our country and geographic indications specific to Azerbaijan. He pointed out that the expertise of geographical indications in Azerbaijan is implemented by the Center for Patent and Trademark Examination under the Agency.

Mr. S.Tapdigov noted that the presence of nine out of eleven climatic zones in Azerbaijan conditions the existence of hundreds of varieties that can be geographical indications in our country, and said that the food products, agricultural products, and various crafts that reflect the oldest traditions of the regions of Azerbaijan are widely known far beyond our country.

It was emphasized that carpets, rugs, mineral waters, food products, wines and other products belonging to Shirvan, Baku, Guba, Garabagh, Shaki, Nakhchivan and other regions, which reflect our entire history, have been transformed into a traditional lifestyle as material and moral values gained by our people over the centuries. The role of these values in attracting tourists to our country is undeniable.

Mr. S.Tapdigov specially noted that 20 percent of the territory of Azerbaijan was under occupation for nearly 30 years, during that period these territories were looted and nature was significantly damaged. In the 44-day war, under the leadership of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Victorious Commander-in-Chief Mr. Ilham Aliyev, our state succeeded in returning those territories, and thus historical justice was restored. He pointed out that the protection of geographical indications, which have gained fame both inside and outside the country for many years in the liberated areas, is of particular importance, that work has already been started in this direction and that the famous "Aghdam" wine was registered for the first time this year.

At the end of the presentation, it was stated that Azerbaijan has a great potential in this field and the achievements that will be achieved as a result of the measures taken in this direction will contribute to strengthening the economy of the region in general.

Within the framework of the symposium, an exhibition of geographical indications of the countries of the region was also organized. Geographical indications specific to Azerbaijan (Sirab, Badamli, Meysari, wine of Aghdam, halva of Shaki) was presented at the exhibition in the pavilion reserved for the Republic of Azerbaijan. Detailed information was given about carpet samples (Baghmanli carpet, Chalabi carpet, Garabagh carpet, Baghmanli (Talish) carpet, Butali Garabagh carpet and Garabagh modern carpet), kalaghayi (Basgal kalagayi) belonging to Azerbaijan included in UNESCO's Representative List of Intangible Cultural Heritage.

The Azerbaijan Export and Investment Promotion Foundation (AZPROMO) provided broad technical and financial support for the exhibition of goods with Azerbaijani geographical indications at the Antalya exhibition.