THE WTO PANEL RECOGNISES THE VALIDITY OF THE EUROPEAN SYSTEM FOR THE PROTECTION OF GEOGRAPHICAL INDICATIONS

Great satisfaction of the Consortium for Parmigiano-Reggiano Cheese for the decision

Reggio Emilia, 16 March 2005 - Replying the allegations levelled by the United States and Australia against EC Regulation 2081/92 on designations of origin, the WTO panel has opened the way for wider recognition of the validity of the role that Geographical Indications can play for the areas of origin at a world level, involving in particular Southern countries.
This decision was welcomed with satisfaction by the Consortium for Parmigiano-Reggiano Cheese, as President Andrea Bonati declared: "This result has been achieved also thanks to the determination of the people who committed themselves to obtaining protection measures at international levels, similarly to the Convention of Stresa in 1951".
"The absence of a legal protection of products with a geographical indication - added Bonati - determined the usurpation of their fame and the deception of consumers on the true origin of products. The example of Parmesan (Parmesao, Reggianito) is meaningful, but the phenomenon involves many other products in all the continents: from the Indian Basmati rice gronw in the USA to the Spanish Manchego PDO cheese made in Argentina, or even the Napa valley wines produced outside California".
The WTO panel confirms that the European system for geographical indications must be open to recognise products from third countries thereby extending the provisions envisaged by the European legislation.
According to Leo Bertozzi, Director of the Consortium for Parmigiano-Reggiano Cheese, "Geographical Indications are different from brands since they represent the territory of origin, they cannot be assigned nor delocalized and they represent an original instrument to access the market. At the WTO level, their protection must be pursued with strength and without discrimination within the Doha cycle. This must lead to the extension of the protection given to wines and spirits by article 23 of the TRIPS agreements to all Geographical Indications and the creation of a multi-lateral register".
"Because of their public nature - Bertozzi concluded - the marks identifying Geographical Indications must be assured protection by means of international agreements to recognise the efforts of producers who voluntarily adopt production regulations and to protect the interests of consumers with regards to the true origin of such products".