Contest aims to lift Otop added-value, innovation
In its continuing efforts to raise awareness of intellectual property rights and boost its nationwide anti-piracy campaign, the Intellectual Property Department is launching a contest for the most innovative One Tambon One Product (Otop) items.
A source from the department said many Thai and foreign producers were counterfeiting Otop products. It is therefore trying to get genuine Otop producers to ensure their items can be differentiated from imitation goods. "Thai Otop products, particularly handicrafts, are much admired by foreign buyers. However, since non-local producers are producing copies we need to create some strategies for adding value to our products," said the source. The rewards for winning entries in the "A Promotion of Otop Product Innovation" competition are more than Bt880,000. Two sections are open for the nationwide contest: patent and copyright. The source said many fake Otop products looked similar to the original, but have far less value than the premium items. The department would like to urge producers to find their own way to differentiate their items, so that Thai Otop products will be better received in both domestic and international markets. The contest begins today and runs until October 20. In addition, the department will train local Otop producers in awareness of intellectual property rights by organising a series of seminars around the country until August. Petchanet Pratruangkrai The Nation
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