The opening communication event for the Authenticities Program was successfully held in Corfu on May 9, 2023.
The event took place in the beautiful outdoor space of the People’s Garden, with Mrs. Rania Zacharopoulou, Communications Officer of the Hellenic Intellectual Property Organisation (OBI), serving as the event coordinator. The welcome speech was delivered by the Mayor of Central Corfu and Diapontian Islands, Mrs. Meropi Spyridoula Ydraioy, while the presentation of the Authenticities Program was given by the OBI’s General Director, Mr. Panagiotis Kanellopoulos.
“In her greeting, Mrs. Ydraiou welcomed and thanked OBI, the Ministry of Development and Investments, EUIPO, as well as local government officials who will contribute to the implementation of the Project. She also noted that Corfu is consciously and proudly joining the Program as the 3rd authentic city in Greece.”
“Corfu, due to its unique identity and characteristics, its cultural profile, its international port and airport, as well as its active cruise tourism, is a part of this mosaic that we have agreed to join. Because the authentic is always classic, the authentic is always in fashion.”
“Corfu, she noted, should be established as a model for other cities and municipalities in Greece and Europe, with the exchange of experiences and actions, in order to elevate this Project,” she said. Closing, she thanked the partners on this journey and emphasized that they will make the most of this opportunity.
In his speech, Mr. Kanellopoulos, the General Director of OBI, welcomed the collaboration with the Municipality of Central Corfu and Diapontian Islands, and the Corfu Chamber of Commerce, along with local government officials. He noted that Corfu has all the characteristics needed to embrace the program, while also highlighting the damage caused by counterfeit goods to European economies. He suggested that if everyone could display the promotional materials prepared by OBI for the project in their shop windows, it would not only help their sales but also contribute to the program’s mission.
“Great progress has been made in Greece with this program. Thessaloniki, a major port city, along with the tourism hubs of Mykonos and now Corfu, play an important role,” he concluded, emphasizing the need for “aware consumers.”
Mr. Paolo Barbieri, Project Manager at the European Cooperation Service, EUIPO, presented data on the Authenticities Program in Europe. He thanked OBI and the guests at the opening event and mentioned Europe Day and its achievements. He stressed that Corfu’s inclusion is an important contribution to the program, with its UNESCO-protected status, a significant university, and a major European port.
He also pointed out that the youth demographic is crucial for fostering a mentality of purchasing authentic products. Concluding his presentation, he introduced the Authenticities Network and noted that “together, it’s always better.”
Mr. Spyridon Peristeris, Director of the Inter-Service Market Control Unit (DIMEA), Ministry of Development and Investments, presented statistics on Market Control related to Intellectual Property.
He mentioned a large operation on the previous Thursday, where 200,614 counterfeit items were seized and destroyed in a warehouse in Renti, while a similar raid was conducted at a counterfeit goods production workshop in Salamina.
Mr. Peristeris stated that “today is a day of celebration because Europe celebrates, and this program will add value to Corfu’s authentic traditions, its culture. Corfu is a UNESCO site, has an international airport and port, a wonderful university, increased tourism, and a well-established cruise industry.”
“Intellectual Property Infringement Data up to 4/5/2023”:
Inspections: 44,865
Violations: 5,118
Fines: €7,345,650
Seized counterfeit items: 903,635
Websites removed: 115
Mr. Ioannis Alegris, President of the Corfu Chamber of Commerce, spoke about the Chamber’s contribution to the program. He noted that the Chamber has always been at the forefront of fighting unfair competition and has often intervened at the port to prevent counterfeit goods from entering the market. He assured that the Chamber would support and establish the program, remaining a strong ally in every effort on the island for the good of the community.
During the event, attendees had the opportunity to view seized counterfeit goods displayed by DIMEA.
