EU Conference on Geographical Indications and the Lisbon Agreement (Geneva Act)

IP Key LA and SEA will support the Worldwide Symposium on Geographical Indications organized by WIPO and the Portuguese Institute of Industrial Property (INPI). The activity will provide an opportunity for participants from SEA and LA countries to gain insights on the need to improve the existing systems to better protect and control GIs, as well as how the Lisbon Agreement on Appellations of Origin and Geographical Indications could benefit their respective countries and GI producers in the long term. This in order to promote enhanced protection for geographical indications (GIs) under a sui generis system and accession among the SEA and LA countries to the Lisbon Agreement.

Between July 2nd-4th, the 2019 edition of the conference will bring together national IP authorities responsible for GIs, GI professionals, and GI producers and will allow the exchange perspectives and best practices in the area of GIs, including the Geneva Act of the Lisbon Agreement. Some of the topics that will be covered:

• International Developments on GIs, specifically on the changes brought about by the Geneva Act of the Lisbon Agreement;
• Economic, Social and Cultural Aspect of GIs;
• Protecting, Managing, and Ensuring Control of GIs;
• Branding and Marketing of GIs;
• Protection of GIs in Various Jurisdictions;
• Interface between Trademarks and GIs.

A study visit will also take place, on July 5th and 6th, in which the national authorities from SEA and LA countries will gain a better understanding not only of the operation and benefits of the system, but of the need to ensure compliance with EU standards. Authorities will visit the areas where the following GIs are produced: Vinho do Porto, Queijo de Azeitão, Pão de Ló de Ovar, and Ovos Moles de Aveiro.

Officials from the IP offices of Bolivia, Colombia, Ecuador and Peru will participate in the Worldwide Symposium and GI Study Visit along with EUIPO and IP Key LA representatives.