The official launch of the AUTHENTICITY Rhodes was successfully held on Friday, 19 June, in the Rhodes Municipal Council Chamber. The project will be jointly implemented by the Hellenic Industrial Property Organisation (OBI), the Municipality of Rhodes, and the Rhodes Commercial Association.
The AUTHENTICITY Project, which Rhodes joined in 2025, is a coordinated initiative of the European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO) in cooperation with the intellectual property offices of the EU Member States, aimed at fostering a culture of purchasing only authentic products.
In his address, the Mayor of Rhodes, Alexandros Koliadis, emphasized that the presentation of the project marks the launch of an important European initiative on the island, with the objective of strengthening the culture of purchasing authentic products and protecting the local economy. As he noted, Rhodes has joined an international network of cities participating in the project, highlighting that the initiative safeguards both legitimate trade and consumers against the risks posed by counterfeit goods. He concluded by inviting businesses and citizens to actively support the initiative.
The Deputy Mayor for Entrepreneurship, Nikos Tsoullos, stressed that the Municipality’s role is to act as a bridge between OBI, citizens, students, professionals, and businesses in order to disseminate knowledge and raise awareness about intellectual property and the protection of authentic products.
Panagiotis Kanellopoulos, Director General of OBI, noted that Rhodes is the fifth Greek city to join the network. He explained that the project aims to strengthen the protection of and awareness about intellectual property rights while combating counterfeiting and piracy at the local level. Counterfeit and pirated goods, he stated, result in billions of euros in lost revenue annually across key sectors of the European economy, lead to hundreds of thousands of lost jobs, and frequently support criminal activities. He expressed his confidence that, through collective effort and determination, counterfeiting can be reduced, awareness of its harmful consequences increased, and creators, inventors, consumers, and European economies better protected.
In his recorded video message, EUIPO Executive Director João Negrão, referring to Rhodes as the 23rd city to join the Authenticity network, highlighted the island’s rich history, cultural heritage, and status as a leading tourist destination. Through the AUTHENTICITY Project, Rhodes commits itself to protecting its heritage, supporting creativity, and promoting awareness of intellectual property issues. By joining the project, Rhodes takes a clear stand against counterfeiting and piracy, protects businesses and consumers, and reinforces its position as an authentic destination with an authentic identity and authentic products—because authenticity is timeless.
Rania Zacharopoulou, OBI’s Communications Manager and Project Manager of the AUTHENTICITY Project, presented the programme, research findings illustrating the economic and broader impact of counterfeiting and piracy, and the activities that will be implemented as part of the initiative.
The President of the Rhodes Commercial Association, Konstantinos Spanos, emphasized that authenticity is the key competitive advantage of the local market, as consumers seek experiences, identity, and trust—not simply products. He noted that authenticity is not a marketing tool but a development strategy that builds strong relationships and sustainable businesses. The Rhodes Commercial Association is committed to promoting authenticity by offering genuine products and authentic experiences. Authenticity, he concluded, creates trust and lasting relationships, transforming a simple purchase into a meaningful experience.
Spyridon Peristeris, DIMEA – Interagency for Market Control Unit, highlighted the crucial role of enforcement authorities in tackling illegal trade, counterfeiting, and unfair commercial practices. He placed particular emphasis on inspections in both physical and online marketplaces, consumer protection, and cooperation among the competent authorities to ensure a safe, transparent, and reliable commercial environment. He concluded by calling on all stakeholders to support the fight against counterfeit products.
Among those attending the event were Deputy Mayors Konstantinos Chalkias, V. Lampis, V. Vagianakis, and G. Varelis, Deputy Regional Governor Apostolos Asprakis, Municipal Council President K. Kasapis, Tourism Councillor Nikos Pavlakidis, President of the Dodecanese Federation of Commercial Associations, P. Giannoulis, Deputy Commander of the Rhodes Fire Service, Giorgos Pavlis, and other distinguished guests.
