Marketing and competitiveness of wine sector in Republic of Macedonia

The process of reaching higher competitiveness of agri-food products, supported by strong marketing strategy, should be considered as a risky process, if the legal protection of Industrial Property Rights (IP rights) is neglected. The consequences could lead to losing the market position, unsuccessful promotion and export of the products. During the last couple of years, the need for protection of IP rights has rapidly increased. This book analyzes industrial property rights, particularly geographical indications via the wine sector of the Republic of Macedonia. We present the international trade and competitiveness in four wine-producing countries through calculation of the trade indicators issued by the OECD, in order to present geographical indications as a powerful marketing strategy for competitiveness. The analysis should help in better understanding of increased importance of IP rights in agri-food sector, especially for those that work on economic aspects of IP rights. Besides that, a benefit will have those who work in the field of agricultural marketing, by presenting IP rights as successful marketing strategy for product differentiation.