INTA Launches Know Before You Go—Geographical Indications Report Series in Beijing, China

INTA launched Know Before You Go—Geographical Indications (GI) Report Series in Beijing, China, on October 21, to support the global expansion of Chinese geographical indication (GI) brands. 

The launch took place as part of the Association’s second high-level delegation to China in 2025, bringing together brand owners, policymakers, and intellectual property (IP) professionals to celebrate the release of this strategic resource. 

At the event, INTA President Elisabeth Stewart Bradley acknowledged the dedicated project team behind the report series, whose work has culminated in this landmark publication.  

“This initiative reflects our unwavering support for Chinese GI owners seeking to thrive on the global stage,” said Ms. Stewart Bradley. 

Know Before You Go—GI Report Series: A Strategic Resource 

According to a World Intellectual Property Organization report, in 2023, China held the largest number of  GIs in force within its territory with 9,785 registrations, followed by Germany (7,586), Hungary (7,290), and the Czech Republic (6,657). 

China National Intellectual Property Administration figures show that as of August 2025, China had recognized more than 4,100 GI products.  

Furthermore, there are 110 Chinese GI products protected abroad, including Baoshan Arabica Coffee and Helan Mountain Wine. 

Despite this growth, Chinese GI owners face challenges in global expansion, including cultural and consumer habit differences, legal and regulatory inconsistencies across jurisdictions, and limited brand recognition in international markets. 

To address these challenges, INTA has launched the Know Before You Go—GI Report Series, focusing on five key European jurisdictions: the EU, France, Germany, Italy, and the UK. The reports provide: 

• Comprehensive guidance on registration, management, and enforcement;
• Insights into legal frameworks and country-specific nuances; 
• Strategies for customs enforcement and evidence preparation; 
• Expansion opportunities for non-agricultural GIs; and 
• Sector-specific protection systems across food, wine, spirits, and crafts. 

The reports also outline the multifaceted value of GIs across three dimensions, as follows: 

Economic Value: GIs serve as collective IP rights that institutionalize regional reputation, offering a credible signal of origin and quality. Data from EU Intellectual Property Office and the European Patent Office show that IP-owning firms—especially SMEs—outperform their peers, with 44 percent higher revenue per employee. GIs also drive rural development, job creation, and tourism. 

Brand Value: GIs transform geographic regions into powerful brands, preserving local reputations and enhancing long-term credibility in domestic and international markets 

Social Value: GIs empower consumers with informed choices and safeguard cultural heritage. The EU’s new regulation on craft and industrial GIs (CIGI), effective December 2025, expands protection to non-agricultural products such as textiles and porcelain. 

The report series is the latest addition to INTA’s Mandarin-Only resources. Among them are the Know Before You Go Reports, which equip Chinese brand owners with the knowledge and actionable strategies needed to navigate the complexities of the global market. They consist of a series of practical guides and reports designed to help brand owners protect their IP when doing business internationally.  

Although every effort has been made to verify the accuracy of this article, readers are urged to check independently on matters of specific concern or interest.

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