Act on Protection of Geographical Indications of Iran: in line or contradiction with international treaties

Abstract

Iran is a country with an ancient civilization with many unique products and goods. To protect the rights of geographical indications owners, Iran has adopted an Act in this regard. This article aims to examine the strengths and weaknesses of the Iranian Act and the extent of its compliance or non-compliance with international treaties in this field. The results and achievements of this study, which are not limited to Iran and can be used for the international system as well as developing countries, indicate that the multiplicity of international treaties, lack of sanctions or insufficient sanctions, the manner of procedure and proceedings authorities, different interpretations of concepts contrary to public order and good morals, as well as ignoring the issue of labels and barcodes are some of the most important challenges and problems facing the effective protection of geographical indications. Obviously, Iran can protect geographical indications in a more effective way by providing some strategies. Including protection for geographical indications in bilateral or multilateral investment treaties, applying quality control on products bearing geographical indications and intensifying performance guarantees (or sanctions), building culture and increasing coordination between public and private sectors and investing to strengthen the value of geographical indications in the market are among the most important solutions that have been presented.