Lisbon Agreement 1958
The Lisbon Agreement of 1958 is a treaty aimed at protecting appellations of origin and their international registration. It was negotiated under the auspices of the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) and was signed in the Portuguese capital, Lisbon.
The treaty provides for the protection of appellations of origin of products such as wines, spirits, and foodstuffs. An appellation of origin is a geographical indication used to identify a product originating from a specific region, where the quality, reputation, or other characteristics of the product are essentially attributable to its geographical origin.
The Lisbon Agreement established a system for the international registration of appellations of origin, which allows for the protection of these unique products beyond their borders. Under this system, an appellation of origin can be registered in one or more countries that are party to the agreement. Once registered, the appellation is protected in those countries, and no one else can use it for a similar product unless they meet certain criteria.
One of the key features of the Lisbon Agreement is that it requires the competent authorities to verify that the product originating from the designated geographical area meets certain criteria before granting the appellation of origin. These criteria could relate to the natural or human factors that affect the product`s characteristics, such as the climate, soil, and traditional production methods.
The agreement also provides for the protection of translations and transliterations of appellations of origin in the official languages of the countries where they are registered. This is especially important for products from countries with many official languages or where the product name may be difficult to translate accurately.
The Lisbon Agreement has been signed by over 30 countries, including France, Italy, Portugal, and Spain, which are renowned for their wine and food products. The treaty has significantly contributed to the protection of many iconic and unique products, such as Champagne, Roquefort cheese, and Scotch whisky.
In conclusion, the Lisbon Agreement of 1958 is an important treaty that provides for the international protection of appellations of origin. By establishing a system of international registration, the treaty has helped to protect the reputation and quality of unique products that are closely tied to their geographical origin. Its impact on the global food and beverage industry cannot be overstated.
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