Photo by Sara Kurfeß on Unsplash

Author: Hazel V J Moir, ANU Centre for European Studies

This Policy Note is the part of the Third Country Engagement with EU Trade Policy (EUT+3) project co- funded by the Jean Monnet Erasmus+ Programme

Since the establishment of the World Trade Organization (WTO) in 1995 the European Union (EU) and the USA have fought over policy for Geographical Indications (GIs) in many forums. A major area of contention is whether GI provisions should be delivered through a sui generis (tailor made) registration system or through the trademarks system. In its negotiating texts for Australia and New Zealand the EU is demanding the adoption of a tailor-made GI registration system – one that mirrors the system developed to suit European countries. There is very little evidence of Australian demand for such a system. This Policy Note looks at key issues relevant to this proposal.

For more information, please see the linked document below.