Author: Deng Xiaoqian, Huang Jieli 

Publisher: Law School/Intellectual Property School 

Date: April 16, 2025

Jinan University recently hosted a significant seminar entitled Geographical Indication Public Interest Litigation, organized by the Law School and Intellectual Property School, in collaboration with the International Geographical Indication Research Center. The event brought together relevant prosecutors from the People's Procuratorates of Guangdong Province, Jiangmen City, and Xinhui District, alongside representatives from the International Geographical Indication Research Center.

Opening Remarks

The seminar commenced with a speech by Huang Jianxin, Secretary of the Party Committee at the School of Law/School of Intellectual Property. He highlighted the achievements of Intellectual Property School since its establishment two decades ago. Huang emphasized the school’s strengths as a talent base for intellectual property and as a collaborative platform for training foreign-related legal talent. He outlined how these strengths can foster the innovative development of public interest litigation related to geographical indications and facilitate the exchange of legal practices and educational resources.

Key Presentations

Several prominent speakers shared their insights during the seminar:

•Zhao Yijin, a senior prosecutor from the Eighth Procuratorial Department of the Guangdong Provincial People's Procuratorate, discussed several administrative public interest litigation cases involving geographical indications, noting their role in both protecting public interests and enhancing regional economic development.

•Zhen Hongyi, Director of the Fifth Procuratorial Department of Jiangmen People's Procuratorate, focused on the current status of infringement and rights protection regarding geographical indication products in Jiangmen. He offered recommendations for strengthening rights protection for Xinhui Chenpi, a regional specialty.

•Tan Yaqin, Director of the Gujing Prosecutor's Office from the People's Procuratorate of Xinhui District, addressed the challenges in protecting the geographical indication product Xinhui Chenpi and proposed actionable response plans to tackle these issues.

•Li Jing, head of the International Geographical Indications Research Center and an associate professor in the Social Sciences Department at Jinan University, articulated the theoretical foundations and pathways for public interest litigation in the context of geographical indications. He elaborated on the applicable laws and practical conditions for effective rights protection.

Collaborative Commitment

The seminar fostered a constructive dialogue among parties, leading to a consensus on the necessity of integrating legal theory and prosecutorial practice more deeply. This integration aims to enhance the normalization and quality of collaborative modes between procuratorates, thus advancing the effectiveness of public interest litigation related to geographical indications.

(At the seminar)

The seminar not only provided a platform for meaningful exchanges among legal professionals and academics but also reinforced Jinan University's commitment to addressing critical issues in the area of geographical indications. By leveraging both theoretical insights and practical experiences, participants aim to contribute to the robust development and protection of geographical indication products, thereby bolstering local economies and safeguarding public interests.