Geographical Indications and Designation of Origin

The role of GI and DO in the development of Central America regarding agriculture, rural development and biodiversity management.

Friday, April 3, 2009

The strong growth of international trade in goods and services over the past fifteen years within the context of economic globalization has led to a growing concern about the need to incorporate various intellectual property issues in multilateral, regional and bilateral trade agreements. Within this area, one of the most debated issues in the negotiations of these agreements is that of distinctive signs such as trademarks and geographical indications (GIs), and more specifically the level of protection they should be granted.

GIs play an important role in market economies by providing consumers information on the origin of a product and, implicitly, about its quality, reputation or other characteristics related mainly to its origin. It also allows associate members of a certain origin to differentiate their product in the market and get better remuneration for their efforts to increase or maintain high quality in their production.

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More on this topic

Changes to Regulation of Industrial Property in Guatemala

March 2014

The changes include modifying records for geographical indications and designations of origin.

The Guatemalan Ministry of Economy has approved an amendment on the regulations in the Law on Industrial Property records, specifically relating to geographical indications and designations of origin.

Guatemala: Ruse to Delay EU Agreement

September 2013

Foreign companies have objected to the registration of European GIs only 6 hours before reaching the deadline to do so.

From a statement by AGEXPORT:

AGEXPORT regrets that six hours before the deadline for the period of opposition to the registration of geographical indications, requested by Europe, foreign companies have raised objections.

Geographical Indications and Designations of Origin

September 2013

It is an issue to keep in mind to add value to Central American export products and to avoid trade disputes.

Months ago the Guatemalan Congress ratified a number of amendments to the Copyright Act in order to protect Geographical Indications and Designations of Origin as provided by the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) and requested within the Association Agreement with EU.

The Problem of Designations of Origin

August 2013

Conflicts over designations of origin or geographical indications are becoming more common.

An article in Elfinancierocr.com reports that "Costa Rica should identify appropriate channels for conflict resolution if it wants to increase its share in the market with products which are protected by designation of origin (DO) or geographical indication (GI)."

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