Intellectual Property as a Shield and Sword for Innovation and Economic Development
The visit of World Intellectual Property Organization – WIPO, Director General Daren Tang, to Athens in June for the International IP Enforcement Summit 2025 was a particularly significant event for Greece.
In an exclusive interwiev with the Athens- Macedonian News Agency, Mr. Tang emphasized that Intellectual Property (IP) is both a “shield and a sword” for innovation and economic development—especially in an era of digital transformation and global challenges.
During his visit, he inaugurated the Summit, which brought together over 350 participants and 80 speakers from Greece and Europe. In his keynote speech, he focused on the need to strengthen IP protection, especially for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and startups. He also held discussions with Greek officials on leveraging tools such as the WIPO IP Diagnostic Tool and the IP Management Clinic for SMEs Program, highlighted the importance of Geographical Indications (GIs) for rural development—with a special emphasis on a pilot project for Kalamata olive oil—and praised Greek innovation, noting that Greek entrepreneurs are well-informed about the strategic use of IP as a business and financial tool.
In a compelling excerpt from the interview, Mr. Tang stated:
“Greek businesses have a long history of using our global registries to promote their products, services, and trademarks internationally. Greece also utilizes the Lisbon System to protect geographical indications such as feta, ouzo, and Kalamon olives—treasures that are not only important economic drivers but also cherished elements of Greek heritage and culture.
A strong Intellectual Property ecosystem can support innovation and contribute to economic development on multiple levels. Take traditional sectors, for example—protecting GIs like Kalamon olives and ouzo can increase their value in international markets and create jobs.”
You can read Mr. Tang’s full interview at the link below: https://www.amna.gr/business/article/912223/Aspida-kai-xifos-i-Dianoitiki-Idioktisia-gia-tin-kainotomia-kai-tin-oikonomiki-anaptuxi
