Trade Effects of Geographical Indications

This contribution addresses the effects of geographical indications on intra-EU and international trade. Trade is hampered by the exclusiveness of indications like ``Protected Designations of Origin or Protected Geographical Indications'', which at the same time is necessary to protect their value. As protection of the property right is weak for Traditional Specialties Guaranteed, they have not developed very well. Geographical indications introduced at a state level might be considered a measure equal to a quantitative restriction or violate the exclusive competence the EU when protecting PDO's or PGI's. At the international level, conflicts may arise with several treaties that regard the same subject (Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property [TRIPS], Paris or Lisbon Agreement). We therefore recommend to increase efforts to harmonise the legal system of protection. As to ``Traditional Specialties Guaranteed'' it is recommended to change the system or abolish it altogether.