The city of Foshan, well-known for its ceramic products, will use a geographic name as a registered trademark to protect its intellectual property.

The city has applied to State authorities to register Shiwan as the trademark. The approval is expected soon.

A city source said that the unique clay from Shiwan, a location in Foshan, was essential for the unparalleled quality of ceramic products made in Foshan. Once approved, the trademark will cover all products made of Shiwan clay, the source said.

Trademarks based on the name of a locality have been used for products whose unique characteristics are closely linked to their geographic locations. Switzerland, for instance, has become a sign of some products like wristwatches from that country. Pottery figurines made in Shiwan are very popular and people in the U.S.A., Holland and Singapore have begun collecting them.

So far, however, only one factory in Shiwan has a trademark.

Many producers across the country have falsely claimed that their products are from Shiwan, which could denigrate Shiwan products.

Some pottery experts said that the registration would provide effective protection for the intellectual property of products made in Shiwan. It could also help establish an economy of scale in the ceramics sector, they said.

This will be the first time the name of a locality has been used as a trademark in Guangdong Province.
 
Editor: Wings