Dong Thap: Elevating the lotus brand through intellectual property tools.

PROCESS OF CREATING GEOGRAPHICAL AND INDUSTRIAL PAPERS

The lotus plant is not only closely associated with the people of Dong Thap, but also possesses unique economic potential and cultural value. Recognizing the role of this specialty plant, Dong Thap province has prioritized many solutions to enhance the brand and build a sustainable value chain for lotus products.

In this context, leveraging intellectual property tools to shape and protect the brand is considered a strategic step, creating an important foundation for Dong Thap lotus to assert its position in domestic and international markets.

Based on that orientation, the Provincial People's Committee approved the provincial-level science and technology project "Registration and establishment of industrial property rights for the geographical indication "Dong Thap" for lotus products". The project is managed by the Department of Science and Technology and assigned to the Center for Technology Research and Intellectual Property (CIPTEK) in Ho Chi Minh City to lead its implementation.

The project commenced in November 2021. After nearly four years of implementation, it has achieved significant results, especially with the Intellectual Property Office of the Ministry of Science and Technology successively granting Certificate of Registration of Geographical Indication No. 00145 for the Geographical Indication “Dong Thap” for fresh lotus seeds (silk lotus), fresh lotus flowers, fresh lotus leaves, and fresh lotus roots, and Certificate of Registration of Trademark No. 561803 for the geographical indication “Dong Thap Lotus” for the logo (symbol) of the Geographical Indication.

To achieve this result, the Department of Science and Technology, in collaboration with the CIPTEK Center, conducted comprehensive research on the lotus value chain of the province. This research clarified the quality characteristics, unique properties, and reputation of Dong Thap lotus, as well as its relationship with the local endemic natural conditions, thereby demonstrating that the product fully meets the criteria for geographical indication protection under intellectual property law.

CHARACTERISTICS AND SPECIFIC QUALITIES OF LOTUS IN DONG THAP PROVINCE, ASSOCIATED WITH THE GEOGRAPHICAL CONDITIONS

Lotus from Dong Thap has long been renowned for its unique morphological characteristics and nutritional value, setting it apart from lotus products from other regions. Studies within the framework of the Project show that lotus seeds, lotus roots, and fresh lotus leaves have high nutritional content, reflecting their value as ideal raw materials for processing into a variety of lotus-based foods.

Furthermore, the long-standing farming experience of the local farmers plays a crucial role in maintaining the quality of lotus. Farmers maintain traditional practices and establish strict care procedures: replanting after each harvest; applying lime to improve the soil to overcome the drawback of self-degeneration of the variety, limiting fungal diseases, and thus creating a consistent product quality, ensuring stability and traceability.

It is precisely the harmonious combination of mild natural conditions, minimal temperature differences between day and night, and the unique farming practices of this region that has resulted in the distinctive sensory quality and nutritional value of this special agricultural product.

DEVELOPING A SYSTEM OF TOOLS FOR MANAGING AND PROMOTING PRODUCTS WITH GEOGRAPHICAL INDEXES

Alongside conducting research to determine the scientific and legal basis for Dong Thap lotus products to meet the strict protection requirements under intellectual property law regarding geographical indications, the CIPTEK Center also developed a logo for this geographical indication. Through the process of developing ideas and gathering feedback from agencies, organizations, and the production and business community in the province, this logo was officially approved and submitted for protection registration at the Intellectual Property Office in the form of a geographical indication.

The logo (symbol) of the "Dong Thap" geographical indication for lotus products.

Beyond simply obtaining Geographical Indication (GI) certificates, the project has also created a systematic model for managing and exploiting GIs for Dong Thap lotus products. Through a system of management tools and training programs, managers, cooperatives, and lotus producers and businesses have been equipped with the necessary knowledge and skills to effectively utilize GIs. This not only helps improve product quality management and traceability but also lays the groundwork for Dong Thap lotus to increase its value and build a sustainable supply chain in the market.

TOWARDS SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT OF THE "SEN DONG THAP" BRAND

The protection of geographical indications and industrial trademarks for Dong Thap lotus products is not only the result of systematic scientific research, but also opens up opportunities for sustainable development of the province's lotus industry. From this legal foundation, Dong Thap has the conditions to strengthen the lotus value chain in a modern and integrated direction: from production - processing - consumption to brand promotion; gradually affirming the position of the "Land of Pink Lotus" on the map of Vietnamese agricultural products and reaching out to the international market.

LIGHTHOUSE

Source: https://baoapbac.vn/xa-hoi/202508/dong-thap-nang-tam-thuong-hieu-sen-bang-cong-cu-so-huu-tri-tue-1047839/