On Tuesday, 28 February, in the presence of representatives of Liepāja's cultural and creative industries, businessmen, state and local government institutions, the Municipality of Liepāja and the Patent Office signed a memorandum of understanding on cooperation in the project "The European Network of Authenticities".
The memorandum aims at raising awareness of Liepāja citizens about the protection of intellectual property, educating people in forming daily habits of buying authentic products, as well as promoting Liepāja as a city that recognizes authentic products and does everything necessary to fight against counterfeits and their distribution.
“Today, with the slogan "Authentic is eternal!", Liepāja has, as the only municipality from Latvia, joined “The European Network of Authenticities ", which stands for original, authentic products and the protection of intellectual property rights. Liepāja is a city of both culture and production, with its brave character, bright creative personalities and strong companies and institutions that create original, unique works of art and products with high added value in their everyday life. We have something to be proud of and stand for, promoting Liepāja as an authentic European city at local, national and international levels," stated Gunārs Ansiņš, Chairman of the City Council of Liepaja.
The memorandum sets out the duties and responsibilities of the parties for the participation and cooperation in the project " European Network of Authenticities ", financed by the European Union Intellectual Property Office.
Within the framework of the project, it is planned to organize various informative and educational events and activities to draw the public’s attention to the importance of authentic products and services, the ability to recognise fake goods, etc. The main goal is to promote awareness of the importance of original designs, authentic products and services through various public activities.
"It is gratifying that the municipality of Liepāja is the first one from Latvia to participate in the project and implement the activities of the network of authenticities. Liepāja has strong roots in creative industries and a successful interaction between creativity and production. We are sure that the project will help us further strengthen the recognition of Liepāja's authentic values internationally, and, not least, inform citizens of Liepāja about the possibility of protecting and strengthening this value by industrial property rights. Various measures will also be implemented to identify the damage caused by counterfeits to the individual and the environment," noted Agris Batalauskis, Director of the Patent Office.
The memorandum of understanding between Liepāja Municipality and the Patent Office was signed in the new exhibition hall of Liepaja Music, Art and Design Secondary School. During the event, representatives of the Liepāja City Municipality, the Patent Office, Liepaja Music, Art and Design High School, the "European Capital of Culture 2027" project, the State Police, creative entrepreneurship, and other relevant industries, took part in a free format discussion on various authenticity issues.
Click here for the photos from the event.