ICTSD: Multilateral GI Register Stalled at WTO

According to the International Centre for Trade and Sustainable Development, on September 23, 2004, the special session of the Council for Trade-related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS) met to continue negotiations on developing a multilateral register for geographical indications for wines and spirits. The meeting showed little change in positions from previous sessions, with delegations confirming their earlier stated views on the potential nature of the multilateral register (see ITCSD's BRIDGES Weekly, April 22, 2004).

Sponsors of a joint proposal by 'new world' countries -- including Argentina, Australia, Canada, Chile, the US and others -- maintained their position on seeking a passive database system, whereas the EU pushed for a more rigid and complex system based on registration. The differing costs of the two approaches remained the principle issue of debate.

The next meeting of the TRIPS Council special session on the multilateral register will take place on 30 November.