Intellectual Property Strategies for Timber and Forest Products: The Case of Regional Collective Trademark Applications by Japanese Forestry Associations

Shuichiro Kajima, Yuta Uchiyama and Ryo Kohsaka
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Shuichiro Kajima: Graduate School of Environmental Studies, Tohoku University, Sendai 980-0845, Japan
Yuta Uchiyama: Graduate School of Environmental Studies, Nagoya University, Nagoya 464-8601, Japan
Ryo Kohsaka: Graduate School of Environmental Studies, Nagoya University, Nagoya 464-8601, Japan

Sustainability, 2020, vol. 12, issue 5, 1-16

Abstract: In this study, we clarify the motivation for applying for regional collective trademarks (RCTs) and the effects perceived by the right holders of wood and forest products. We further examine the historical contexts and social circumstances of production regions with RCT registrations. A survey of eight right holders, including forestry associations that applied for RCTs, was conducted in this study. We obtained a sufficient quantity of perception data for comparisons across different production sites. The primary motivations of forest associations applying for RCTs were preventing counterfeit goods and improving awareness and familiarity. It was identified that the relative lengths of the brand histories have impacted the current branding strategies, including the motives for RCT applications. In terms of the perceived effects of RCTs, four RCT right holders perceived the former positive effect of preventing counterfeit goods, and seven perceived the latter positive effect of improving awareness and familiarity. All of the forest associations intend to renew their RCTs. The primary motivation of the RCT holders is not price enhancement. It remains to be seen whether the RCT brands can differentiate themselves to consumers and constructors in terms of quality or brand stories.

Keywords: intellectual property; regional collective trademarks; forestry association; regional brand (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2020
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (1)

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