Geographical Indications And Designations Of Origin

On March 15, 2005, a Committee of the World Trade Organization (WTO) published a report on the request of Australia and the US against the protection of Geographical Indications and Designations of Origin for food and agricultural products other than wines and alcoholic beverages, of the EU. The report ratifies the compatibility of the EU system with the regulations of the WTO. More in particular, it is confirmed that the GIs can co-exist with prior trademarks under the TRIPs. This will help the EU ensure a greater acknowledgment of GIs and the protection of the identity of local and territorial products.