Directorate General of Intellectual Property (DGIP) of the Ministry of Laws and Human Rights of the Republic of Indonesia recently organized a three-days event entitled “Festival Merek (Festival of Marks)”. The event, which was held at the main outdoor ground of the ministry’s HQ – called the “Red Square” – in Jakarta from 23 to 25 October 2023, was intended as a finale to a series of trademark-themed programs and activities initiated by DGIP for the year 2023, which has been officially designated as the “Year of Trademark”.
About forty-five local entrepreneurs participated in the event by opening trading booths, where they exhibited their products – especially which trademarks had been duly registered. Categories of exhibited products ranged from culinary, skincare, fashion, crafts, as well as products of Geographical Indications from different regions of the country.
In her opening remarks, Director General of IP Min Usihen stated that such exposures of local products was in line with the aim of building local industries that are competitive not only in domestic market, but also globally. She also unveiled the theme of the event
Aside from the brand exhibition, the Festival also provided business matching sessions where business-owners could meet with potential partners. Registered IP consultants were also invited to participate where they held free consultation sessions for inquiries related to trademarks, patent, industrial designs and copyrights. For a limited quota, the DGIP also organized free trademark registration as well as free copyright recordal during the event.
Also performing at the event’s main stage were a number of national artists and entertainers, such as Indonesia’s singer Kris Dayanti, pop-rock band Padi Reborn and stand-up comedian Cak Lontong.
At the end of the third day, October 25, the Festival of Trademark was officially closed by the Minister of Laws and Human Rights himself, Prof. Yasonna Laolly, in person, As the Year of Trademark 2023 was also officially concluded, at the same opportunity the Minister also launched the official theme for 2024, which is designated as the Year of Geographical Indication. Yasonna expressed his hope that not only geographical indication protection may contribute to increasing marketability of regional products, it should also becoming another source of attraction for tourism in the respective region.