The European Commission (DG Trade) has opened an Internet online Forum on "appellations of origins, a place for speciality products in world trade?"

"Because appellations of origin or geographical indications (Gis) may bring new opportunities to people living in specific territories, the European Union would like to provide a better framework to protect them," said a release.

"Extending the regime of protection currently available for GIs on wines and spirits to all products on a multilateral basis is a priority for European Union in the Doha World Trade Organisation negotiations. The establishment of a meaningful multilateral GI register, with legal effects in all WTO Members, would also address the needs of developing countries."

You can join this online Forum and contribute to the debate at:

http://trade-info.cec.eu.int/forum_ao/list.cfm

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