Extending Protection of Geographical Indications: Case Studies of Agricultural Products in Africa

摘要

What is the use of geographical indications (GIs) to developing countries? Unquestionably, the underlying purpose of including them in the text of the World Trade Organization's TRIPS Agreement was to protect the interests of European beverage and food producers, mostly those of wines and spirits who are able to enjoy additional protection as compared with other types of product that may be important items of trade within Europe but are less important globally. The latter mainly comprise foodstuffs such as cheeses and processed meats. Little thought was given during the negotiations to the use of GIs as means to further the trade and development interests of the developing countries, even less to promote, valorise and generate income from traditional knowledge based products including handicrafts.