Geographical Indications: EU Policy at Home and Abroad

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).