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Periodical article Periodical article Leiden University catalogue Leiden University catalogue WorldCat catalogue WorldCat
Title:Geographical indications for foods, TRIPS and the Doha Development Agenda
Author:Echols, Marsha A.ISNI
Year:2003
Periodical:Journal of African Law
Volume:47
Issue:2
Pages:199-220
Language:English
Geographic term:Africa
Subjects:TRIPS Agreement
trademarks
copyright
trade
food
External link:https://www.jstor.org/stable/30038563
Abstract:Geographical indications (GI's) for foods link a quality or characteristic of a product to its locality of origin. GI's usually represent traditional or artisanal knowledge and techniques, yet they are recognized as a form of intellectual property. A GI may propel a food or beverage product from commodity status (blue cheese) into the high value niche or gourmet market (Roquefort cheese) and, consequently, can have a positive social and economic impact on farmers and rural development. African teas, coffees and other special products might benefit from greater international recognition and protection of GI's. Geographical indications are defined in but receive very limited international protection under the WTO Agreement on Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property (TRIPS). Most regulation of GI's is national (e.g., in the Cote d'Ivoire and South Africa) or regional (e.g., the Bangui Agreement and in the EU). At the WTO and during the Doha Development Round discussions Kenya, Mauritius, Nigeria and South Africa, amongst others, have argued for expansion of the TRIPS rules. Other countries consider GI's as likely protectionist measures and prefer to rely on trademarks. Each African country must determine whether the potential benefits of GI's sufficiently balance the costs of implementing some form of an international system. Notes, ref., sum. [Journal abstract]
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