The Hellenic Industrial Property Organisation (OBI) participated in the 5th International Ceramics Festival “EARTH WATER FIRE 2026”, held in Thrapsano, Crete, from 2 to 5 July 2026, highlighting the importance of intellectual property in protecting and promoting the traditional art of ceramics.
The Festival was organised by the Thrapsano Cultural Association, the British School at Athens, the Centre for the Study of Modern Pottery, and Ploigos Educational and Development Services, in co-organisation with the Region of Crete, under the auspices of the Directorate of Modern Cultural Heritage of the Hellenic Ministry of Culture and the Municipality of Minoa Pediada. The event brought together potters from Thrapsano, ceramic artists and creators from Greece, Italy, Cyprus and the United States, as well as representatives of scientific and cultural organisations from Greece and abroad.
As part of the thematic discussion entitled “The Pottery Profession Today: Prospects and Challenges”, Ms Konstantina Lydaki, Lawyer at the International Affairs Department of OBI’s Legal Support Directorate, presented the legal framework for the protection of geographical indications for craft and industrial products, explaining the registration procedure under Regulation (EU) 2023/2411 and Law 5297/2026.
She also referred to the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) project aimed at strengthening the know-how and authenticity of Thrapsano Ceramics through intellectual property, which is being implemented in cooperation with OBI. She highlighted the initiative’s benefits in enhancing the competitiveness of local businesses, creating new employment opportunities, supporting the region’s economic and tourism development, and preserving Thrapsano’s longstanding pottery tradition.
OBI’s participation in the Festival reaffirms its commitment to safeguarding Greek craftsmanship and cultural heritage through industrial property, thereby contributing to the sustainable development of local communities.
