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Geographical indications

Geographical indications are place names (in some countries also words associated with a place) used to identify the origin and quality, reputation or other characteristics of products (for example, “Champagne”, “Tequila” or “Roquefort”).

Two issues are debated in the TRIPS Council under the Doha mandate: creating a multilateral register for wines and spirits; and extending the higher (Article 23) level of protection beyond wines and spirits.

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13–18 December 2005: Hong Kong Ministerial Conference: Ministers agree on declaration that ‘puts Round back on track’
> News item   > Ministerial Declaration   > Ministerial main page
  

The situation in late 2005
A background briefing note
  

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Geographical indications in general

  
Negotiations (council “special sessions”): the multilateral register for wines and spirits

   > Briefing and papers submitted for the negotiations:1997–2003
  
Extending the “higher level of protection” beyond wines and spirits