A geographical indication brands protection alliance focused on the Huaihe River economic belt was founded in Huai'an, Jiangsu province on Nov 17. Market regulation officials from 23 cities in provinces along the river, including Anhui, Henan, Shandong and Hubei, signed an agreement on coordinated intellectual property protection at the founding ceremony. As members of the alliance, the cities will share information, exchange resources, fight infringements and conduct GI research.