A Memorandum of Cooperation between the Hellenic Industrial Property Organisation (O.B.I.) and the Municipality of Argostoli was signed on Friday, June 7, 2024, at the Argostoli Town Hall.
The goal of this cooperation is to highlight the city of Argostoli as an “Authentic City,” promoting exclusively authentic products and taking all necessary actions, within its competences, to combat the trade of counterfeit and pirated products.
The agreement was signed by the Deputy Mayor of Argostoli, Spyros Samouris, and the General Director of O.B.I., Panagiotis Kanellopoulos.
Present at the meeting were the President of the Municipal Council, Nikolas Vallianatos, the President of the Chamber of Kefalonia and Ithaca, Stavros Spathis, and the Head of Communication of O.B.I., Rania Zacharopoulou.
The Chamber of Kefalonia and Ithaca will also assist in the implementation of the Authenticities project for “Authenticity Argostoli” as follows:
- Support in organising informative events
- Provision of spaces for events
- Sending newsletters to its members
- Posts on the Chamber’s website
- Distribution of materials to trade associations
A few words about Authenticities: The AUTHENTICITIES Program is a coordinated effort by the European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO) in collaboration with the Intellectual Property Offices (patents, trademarks, designs) of EU member countries to raise awareness about the importance of buying authentic products among European citizens.
The ongoing cooperation aims to raise awareness among citizens and visitors of cities on issues concerning:
- Combating the informal trade
- Coordinated cooperation to prevent the entry and spread of counterfeit and pirated products in the city or island
- The production, commercial outreach, and sale of only authentic local Greek products, such as clothing, footwear, drinks, household items, jewelry, practical items, etc.
- Promoting a culture of purchasing exclusively authentic products
- Supporting local businesses
- Supporting and encouraging Greek creators, inventors, and trademark holders living and working in these locations (city or island) to produce only authentic, locally made products
- Combating the trade of counterfeit goods, which leads to tax evasion
- Contributing to the protection of Intellectual Property and the rights of those who create, produce, and sell only Greek and quality products.
Useful links:
https://www.tmdn.org/publicwebsite/#/news/2590065
