Communication Event within the “AUTHENTICITIES” Program
In collaboration with the Hellenic Industrial Property Organisation (OBI) and the Municipality of Argostoli
“Authenticity is eternal”
The Hellenic Industrial Property Organisation (OBI), in collaboration with the Municipality of Argostoli, held the inaugural Communication Event as part of the European Program Authenticities – Authenticity Argostoli on Friday, August 30, 2024. The event took place at the Municipal Theater of Argostoli “O Kefalos” and was directed to the media, local government officials, and businesses on the island.
Following the signing of the Memorandum of Cooperation on June 7, 2024, between the OBI and the Municipality of the island, the collaboration continues, and residents and visitors of the island, with the assistance of the local authorities, are helping to highlight and certify Argostoli as an “Authentic City, Authenticity.”
The event began with a welcome speech and a presentation of the Authenticities Program by the General Director of OBI, Mr. Panagiotis Kanellopoulos. A greeting from the Municipality was delivered by the Deputy Mayor of Argostoli, Mr. Georgios Tsilimidos.
Mr. Tsilimidos mentioned that everyone is keen to combat the phenomenon of counterfeiting and congratulated all involved parties for the Memorandum of Cooperation between the Municipality of Argostoli and OBI. He emphasized that counterfeiting is a battle that has been ongoing for years and harms not only the industry but also the consumer. He concluded that, due to current conditions and the rise of the internet, authenticity is diminishing and that everyone must address this issue seriously—not only OBI, DIMEA, and the Municipality of Argostoli.
A pre-recorded message was played from Mr. João Negrão, Executive Director of the European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO), who thanked everyone involved in welcoming a new authentic city to the Authenticities Network.
Mr. Kanellopoulos, after thanking the Municipality of Argostoli and the island’s Chamber of Commerce, presented the Authenticities Program with statistical and qualitative data.
He stated that Argostoli is the 4th Greek city to join the Authenticities network, an additional promotion for the city, which will live in the rhythm of the project for a period of two years (2024-2025). He acknowledged that the fight against illegal trade is unequal but expressed optimism that with collective effort and determination, counterfeiting can be combated, and awareness about the negative effects of counterfeiting will increase. The Authenticities Network is committed to promoting business practices that protect the local economy, and Argostoli, as a major market and leading tourist destination, must be protected and strengthened—especially with the rise of e-shops where purchases are made digitally.
In conclusion, Mr. Kanellopoulos mentioned that, as part of the Authenticities Program, OBI will return to Argostoli with more informative and educational activities, including those related to the protection of inventions, an initiative that is currently missing from local schools.
A greeting was delivered by Mrs. Despina Laskari, a representative of the Kefalonia-Ithaca Chamber of Commerce, who represented Mr. Stavros Spathis, President of the Chamber and partner in the Program’s implementation. Mrs. Laskari emphasized that, just as “authenticity is eternal,” this program will remain everlasting for Argostoli. The Chamber will support this project, as there is a strong need for information regarding counterfeit products, particularly for the Chamber’s 5,000 members in Kefalonia and Ithaca. She also mentioned that it would be beneficial if other regions could join the network and concluded that they would support every action within the framework of the memorandum between the Municipality of Argostoli and OBI.
A greeting was then delivered by Mrs. Eleni G. Papanastasatou, Deputy Regional Governor for Entrepreneurship and Hellenism Abroad of the Ionian Islands Region, who discussed the cooperation between OBI and the Municipality, highlighting its importance in strengthening entrepreneurship, promoting authentic products, and ensuring the uniqueness and innovation of creators, which in turn supports the island’s local economy. Mrs. Papanastasatou emphasized that the fight against counterfeiting must be a primary goal for the sustainable development of businesses and the safety of consumers. The Memorandum of Cooperation between the Municipality of Argostoli and OBI adds significant value to products and boosts the productivity of the area. In conclusion, she emphasized that it is everyone’s duty to support such initiatives and actions for the benefit of consumers and local businesses.
The event concluded with a speech by Mr. Spyros Peristeris, Director of the Interagency Market Control Unit (DIMEA) of the Ministry of Development, who gave a presentation on “Authenticity means: A city free of counterfeits” and shared statistical data on market control related to Intellectual Property. Mr. Peristeris mentioned that OBI has made significant progress with the 4 cities now included in the Authenticities Network, all from the same country, comparing the efforts of other countries. He emphasized that, although this program is part of an awareness campaign, the main issue at hand is consumer protection. Consumers need to be informed in order to be protected. In closing, he expressed his expectation for collaboration from all parties, emphasizing the importance of adhering to the law.
The event was coordinated by Mrs. Rania Zacharopoulou,OBI’s Head of Communications. Mrs. Zacharopoulou noted that Argostoli was not randomly selected for the Authenticities Network, as it is the capital of Kefalonia and the commercial and administrative center of the island. Being a highly touristic city with international arrivals, a port that hosts many cruise ships, and a vibrant commercial activity, it meets all the criteria to be certified as an authentic city and become a representative of “authenticity” in Europe.
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 (inventions, designs, trademarks) of the EU member states, aimed at cultivating a mindset of purchasing authentic products among European citizens. OBI is now participating in the Program with 4 Greek cities: Thessaloniki, Mykonos, Corfu, and Argostoli.
The ongoing collaboration aims to raise awareness among the residents and visitors of the island on issues concerning:
- The fight against counterfeiting
- Coordinated cooperation to prevent the entry and spread of counterfeit and pirated products on the island
- The production, commercial outreach, and purchase of only authentic Greek local products, such as clothing, footwear, beverages, home goods, jewelry, practical items, etc.
- Cultivating a culture of purchasing exclusively authentic products
- Supporting local entrepreneurship
- Encouraging Greek creators living and working on the island to produce only authentic, their own products
- Eradicating the trade of counterfeit goods, which leads to tax evasion
- Contributing to the protection of Intellectual Property and the rights of creators, manufacturers, and traders of only Greek and quality products
The Greek government has been fighting against counterfeiting for the past 5 years. According to data from the Interagency Market Control Unit (DIMEA) of the Ministry of Development, numerous inspections and seizures of counterfeit products have been carried out, with fines reaching millions of euros.
The damage caused by counterfeiting includes:
- Loss of revenue
- Damage to reputation and loss of competitive advantage
- Serious health, safety, and environmental risks
- Concealing other criminal activities, such as fraud, cybercrime, drug trafficking, and human trafficking
Useful links:
https://euipo.europa.eu/ohimportal/el
