Geographical indications are still an emerging issue in international trade. While most Europeans tend to favor GI designations as a means to protect cultural heritage and promote rural development, North Americans are more skeptical, preferring to deal with GIs through existing trademark law. Developing countries vary in their position on GIs.

The following links provide an array of perspectives on GIs, which look to spark increasing research and discussion in international trade forums.

Links and Other Resources

• CAFTA--The US-Central American Free Trade Agreement. A page on the site of the US Trade Representative with information on the CAFTA negotiations, which include a debate on GIs.

• DOLPHINS--Development of Origin Labeled Products Humanity, Innovation, and Sustainability. An EC-funded site that collects scientific research from Europe related to origin labeled products.

• Doha Round Briefings on intellectual property rights, from the International Centre on Trade and Sustainable Development (ITSCD).

• EU Website on GIs.

• GeographicIndications.com. A private site discussing the issue with links to further information.

• "'Geographical indications' a new snag in agricultural talks"
  Article from the Manila Times posted June, 14, 2003.

• ORIGIN--Organisation for an International Geographical Indications Network. Group of producers who lobby for GIs.

• US Patent Office's Website on GIs.

• World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO). Definition of GIs, and links to further information.

• WTO Doha Development Agenda, Trade-related aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS), GIs.

• "WTO: Beyond the Agreement on Agriculture" A paper on naming rights for geographical indications by the Economic Research Service of the US Department of Agriculture.

• World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO). A number of documents on GIs.