Artisans in the state of Querétaro could request up to 30 percent royalties for the commercial use of the traditional Lele and Dönxu dolls, after the recent declaration of protection of geographical indication of these artisanal pieces, reported the head of the Mexican Institute of Industrial Property (IMPI), Santiago Nieto. This measure seeks to protect cultural heritage and ensure that the original creators receive benefits for the reproduction or commercialization of these dolls.
The declaration of protection formally recognizes the originality and cultural value of the dolls, handcrafted by Otomi communities of Amealco de Bonfil, and establishes that third parties who use or reproduce the images or design without authorization may be required to pay royalties to the artisans. This includes cases of industrial or commercial reproduction outside the traditional craft circuit.
In addition, the IMPI announced that operations will be coordinated against piracy and the illegal import of dolls that improperly use these denominations and designs, with the aim of safeguarding both the authenticity and the economic rights of artisan communities. The official launch of these protection mechanisms will take place on February 12, the date from which the artisans will be able to go to the IMPI to activate the corresponding legal procedures.
Source: Meganoticias
