EIPO calls the first trademark stakeholders meeting “historic”

The Ethiopian Intellectual Property Office (EIPO) reported that a historic coffee sector meeting took place on February 14, 2006 in Addis Ababa. As described below, the meeting was an important step forward.

The Ethiopian Intellectual Property Office (EIPO), spearheading the Ethiopian Trademarking and Licensing Initiative, convened the first session between Ethiopian stakeholders - cooperatives, exporters and government bodies. Participants include US and Canadian specialty coffee businesses who have acknowledged Ethiopia’s right to Trademark three of Ethiopia’s most appreciated coffees, Sidamo, Harar and Yirgacheffe.

The group laid the groundwork for a new type of commercial North-South collaboration – a Network of Licensed Distributors working directly with the coffee stakeholders in Ethiopia.

"We are grateful to all the companies that have come forward and wish to start dialogue with us and be part of our new network of licensed distributors. The widening political support for this project is also very significant,” said Getachew Mengistie, Director General of the EIPO.

Despite the high prices paid by consumers for specialty coffees at retail, most producers receive so little that they barely cover costs. In Ethiopia, the share of the retail price is so low that farmers struggle economically, and are abandoning some of the finest coffees to grow narcotic plants, which earn more.

Rick Peyser of Green Mountain Coffee Roasters of the USA, stated at the meeting: "Over the years we have recognised that high quality coffee does not just happen by accident, but because people care about it, and make a constant investment. We are committed to support Ethiopia to expand this network of licensed distributors."

With Trademarks for Harar, Yirgacheffe and Sidamo registered in more than 28 countries, the EIPO has applications proceeding in Brazil, China and India and the Ethiopia Trademark and Licensing Initiative is receiving growing support and expressions of goodwill and encouragement.

For further information contact:

Ethiopian Intellectual Property Office (EIPO)
Director General: Getachew Mengistie
T: +251 (11) 553 4969
gmengistie@yahoo.com

Ethiopian Embassy, Washington DC
Solomon Kebede
T: +1 (202) 364-6386
solomongelila@yahoo.com

Ethiopian Embassy, London
Gail Warden
T: +44 (7717) 603 163
gail@ethioembassy.org.uk