Ethiopian coffee producers become owners of their Intellectual Property (IP)
Ethiopia is the birthplace of coffee. Ethiopian fine coffees – such as Harar, Sidamo, and Yirgacheffe – are considered among the world's best. Coffee traders and consumers around the world have for centuries distinguished these coffees from other commodity coffee for their unique taste and high quality. These gourmet coffees draw high retail prices in world markets and should return about 45% of retail to the owners of this high reputation. However, Ethiopia receives only around 6% of the retail price their fine coffees earn in foreign markets.
For a comprehensive introduction to the Ethiopian Coffee Initiative, its goals, activities and progress, visit the initiative’s dedicated website http://www.ethiopiancoffeenetwork.com.
Poverty-Alleviating IP Solutions
Intangible value of products – reputation, high quality, uniqueness – is the main source of income in today's business.
IP in Action
Some producers in the developing world are already using IP to increase and secure export income.
Black Gold Movie UK Launch
A beautifully shot and insightful look at the plight of Ethiopian coffee growers fighting for their fair share of the exploding fine-coffee market.
