DISTINCTIVE SIGNS FOR COLLECTIVE USE AS A STRATEGY FOR PROTECTING AND PROMOTING CREATIVE TERRITORIESIntellectual property. Creative economy. Sustainable development.
The creative economy plays an essential role in economic and social growth, strengthening culture and driving innovation across different areas. In this context, creative territories emerge as environments that encourage cultural expressions, foster diversity, and create economic opportunities based on creativity and local heritage. Aiming at the sustainability and development of these creative economy ecosystems, this study's main objective is to identify strategies for protecting and promoting these creative territories through the use of collective distinctive signs.The specific objectives of this study are: to understand the concepts of creative economy, creative territories, and their relationship with collective distinctive signs; to identify and describe collective distinctive signs as instruments for protecting and promoting creative territories; and to analyze and describe an identified strategy for the protection and promotion of a creative territory in Porto Alegre. To achieve these objectives, a qualitative method will be adopted, with an exploratory and descriptive approach. Initially, a Systematic Literature Review will be conducted to support the study on the creative economy, creative territories, and collective distinctive signs. Next, the identification of collective trademarks, certification marks, and geographical indications will be carried out through documentary research in the database of the National Institute of Industrial Property (INPI). The investigation into the use of distinctive signs in these territories will be conducted through semi-structured interviews with different actors in the creative economy. Finally, the PDCA Cycle methodology will be applied to analyze and describe a practical strategy for protecting and promoting a creative territory in Porto Alegre. As a result, the study proposes the development of a technical report containing guidelines for implementing strategies that strengthen the relationship between the creative economy, creative territories, and collective distinctive signs. The report aims to encourage sustainable practices, enhance local cultural identity, and promote economic opportunities for the involved stakeholders. This document is intended to support the formulation of public policies and actions focused on promoting sustainable development, valuing local cultural identity, and creating economic opportunities for creative economy actors at the municipal level.