wipo gi-symposium, beijing, june 2007 - mathias schaeli1 gi-extension: the solution for developing...

WIPO GI-Symposium, Beijing, June 2007 - Mathias Schaeli 1

GI-Extension: The Solution for Developing an Appropriate

International Legal Framework for the Protection of Geographical Indications

Mathias Schaeli

Head Legal Services International Trade Relations

Swiss Federal Institute of Intellectual Property

www.ipi.ch / [email protected]

International Symposium on Geographical IndicationsJointly organized by WIPO and SAIC

(Beijing, 26-28 June 2007)


Contents

1. Key issue under international negotiation: “GI-extension”

2. Additional action at the national level Adequate protection and inventories Relationship between GIs and trademarks


Swiss watches

made in Russia

L’Etivaz style cheese

Made in USA

Australian

Chianti

Jamaican Jerk

from Trinidad Long Jin tea,

From Malaysia


GI-ExtensionMultilatéral

RegisterRoll-backList (Agri)

Better protection for GIs

WTO / Negotiations on GIs


The two levels of protection for GIs in the TRIPS Agreement Standard protection of Article 22 for all products,

protection only if: Public is misled by the incorrect use of the GI Incorrect use of the GI constitutes an act of unfair

competition

Additional protection of Art. 23 for wines and spirits: Protection against a simple usurpation of the GI Protection of the GI even if translated Use of delocalizing expressions such as ‘kind’, ‘type’,

‘style’, ‘imitation’ or the like are prohibited


The proposal for extension (IP/C/W/353) The protection of Article 23 of the TRIPS

Agreement should apply to geographical indications for all products

The multilateral register to be established should be open for geographical indications for all products

The exceptions contained in Article 24 of the TRIPS Agreement should apply mutatis mutandis


Communications WTO/TRIPS on extension

In favor of extension:IP/C/W/204/Rev.1; IP/C/W/247/Rev.1;IP/C/W/308/Rev.1; IP/C/W/353; TN/C/W/7;TN/C/W/14 ; TN/C/4 ; TN/C/W/21 – GC/W/540;JOB(05)/61; TN/C/W/26 - WT/GC/547 (UE)

Opposed to extension:IP/C/W/289; IP/C/W/360 and 386;IP/C/W/395; JOB(05)/8 (Australia)

.... available under: www.ipi.ch and www.wto.org

http://www.ipi.ch/

http://www.wto.org/


Timeframe of the negotiationsBefore Nov. 2001 TRIPS Council - Article 24.1

November 2001 Doha Declaration – Para.18

Feb. – Nov. 2002 TRIPS Council – TNC Decision

Jan. – Aug. 03 TNC – Consultations on implementation issues

September 2003 Cancun Ministerial Conference

July 2004 Decision of the General CouncilMandate for further consultations till May ’05; GC to take appropriate action till July ‘05

December 2005 Hong Kong Ministerial Conference

June/July 2007 Text on modalities ?

? End of the Doha Round


Main Swiss Laws and Regulations

Federal Law on the Protection of Trademarks and Indication of Source of 28 August 1992 (RS 232.11) => PROTECTION FOR ALL PRODUCTS WITHOUT REGISTRATION

Federal Law on Agriculture of 29 April 1998 (RS 910.1)

Ordinance on the Protection of PAOs and PGIs in respect of Agricultural Products and Processed Agricultural Products of 28 May 1997 (RS 910.12) => REGISTRATION SYSTEM


Definition

Protection against: the use of incorrect indications of source; the use of designation that may be confused with

incorrect indications of source; the use of a name, address or trademark on goods

or services of different origin where this could be deceptive.

Judicial measures, such as: imprisonment up to one year; fine of up to CHF 100’000.--, or nullity of the trademark registration.


Ordinance on PAOs and PGIs for Agricultural Products and Processed Agricultural Products PAOs/PGIs - similarities

origin in a defined region or place specific qualities delimited area of production

PAOs/PGIs - differences PAO: all fabrication steps within the defined area

PGI: at least one fabrication steps within the defined area

etc.


Function of TMs and GIs

Trademarks distinguish the goods of one undertaking from goods of other undertakings. - It shall be distinctive and not descriptive.- It is the exclusive right of the producer.

Geographical indications (GIs) refer to a geographical region and identify products with quality/reputation given by their geographical origin. - Collective right of all the producers of a given good that are located in the geographical area.

L’ETIVAZ


Function of Trademarks

The TM shall distinguish the goods of one producer from goods of other producers

The TM shall not be descriptive

Difficulty to protect geographical names as trademarks

Geographical names often registered in combination with a distinctive sign (logo)

Problem with the exclusivity right to use the name


Trademarks and GIs: two complementary rights with specific characteristics…

GIs Indicate the geographical

origin of the goods Guaranty the

geographical origin Collective approach Producers ownership Production necessary

linked to a territory Often procedure of

examination with «public» consultations

Trademarks Distinctive signs (non

descriptive)May guaranty the geographical origin (no obligation)

Individual approach (principle) CTM cannot be used by right

holder May be produced everywhere Examination based on absolute

or relative grounds


Trademarks and GIs – time solutions: example of L’Etivaz (AOC)

a SwissGuarantyTrademark


Trademarks and GIs – Complementary: Example of Tête de moine (AOC)

Swiss Trademarks


Trademarks and GIs – Complementary: Champagne (AOC)

French GI Several Trademarks used by the different producers

CHAMPAGNE


TM-Offices can play useful role for good relationship between TM and GIs

CH 501 173 cl. 29 :produits laitiers, à savoir fromage bénéficiant de l’AOC «Sbrinz».

IR 714593, cl. 32 : boissons à base d’eau gazeuse et de jus depommes; tous les produits précités provenant de la région duBodensee.

ALASKAEaux minérales

CUSCOCacao

Cl. 18 et 25, produits de provenance des USA


An adequate protection of geographical indications at the international level:

An issue that is in the interest of ALL OF US!

For more information or questions: [email protected] and www.ige.ch

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