Geographical Indications and WTO Negotiations

Publication Date: July 2003

Publisher: Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

Author(s):

Research Area: Trade

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Abstract:

The issue of expanding intellectual property protections for geographical indications for wines, spirits, and agricultural products is being debated in the World Trade Organization (WTO). Geographical indications are important in international trade because they are commercially valuable. Some European and developing countries want to establish tougher restrictions and limits on the use of geographical names for products, while the United States and associated countries argue that the existing level of protection of such terms is adequate. Decisions about the future scope of protection of geographical indications will be made as the current (Doha) round of multilateral trade negotiations continues. Congress is monitoring the negotiations and their potential impacts on U.S. producers. This report will be updated as events warrant.