Geographical Indications: EU Policy at Home and Abroad

IP Statistics for Decision Makers (IPSDM) conference Sydney, Australia, 15-16 November 2016

26 Pages Posted: 16 Mar 2017 Last revised: 12 Dec 2018

See all articles by Hazel V. J. Moir

Hazel V. J. Moir

Australian National University (ANU) - Centre for European Studies, Research School of Social Sciences

Date Written: November 8, 2016

Abstract

The European Union (EU) has been the principal driver of policy on geographical indications (GIs). Classified as a form of "intellectual property", GIs have been highly contentious, creating considerable difficulties in international trade negotiations. This paper reviews how GI policy for foodstuffs is implemented within the EU and what are the key features the EU seeks in its trade treaties. Investigation of how EU GI policy is implemented allows assessment of GI policy against the alleged market failure in consumer information rationale. The limited data available on the operation of the EU GI scheme show that GIs cover only a small proportion of food output and an even smaller share of world trade.

Despite this, the EU sees GI policy as a deal-breaker in international trade negotiations. The paper analyses the outcomes of recent EU trade treaties, with a particular focus on the agreement with Canada. Comparing EU demands and outcomes with the GI outcomes in the Trans Pacific Partnership Agreement (TPPA) provides some insights that might be useful for the foreshadowed agreement between the EU and Australia and New Zealand. There are also implication for the planned Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (TTIP).

Suggested Citation

Moir, Hazel V. J., Geographical Indications: EU Policy at Home and Abroad (November 8, 2016). IP Statistics for Decision Makers (IPSDM) conference Sydney, Australia, 15-16 November 2016 , Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=2932581 or http://dx.doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.2932581

Hazel V. J. Moir (Contact Author)

Australian National University (ANU) - Centre for European Studies, Research School of Social Sciences ( email )

Canberra, Australian Capital Territory 0200
Australia

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