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Geographic names squabble drags on
17 Mar 2005
Both sides have claimed victory in a trade fight pitting the United States and Australia against the European Union, centring on the right of foreign exporters to use geographic food names like Florida oranges and Port Lincoln tuna to describe their products in European markets. The World Trade Organisation has ruled that the European Union must make its geographical indication registration system easier for overseas companies to apply. However, the ramifications of the ruling are unclear, as officials from the US and Australia that took the complaint to the WTO, and also oficials from the US, say the ruling favours them. Both Australia and the US have been unhappy with geographic indicators. The EU seeks to prevent producers from outside traditional locations using product names derived from those regions. The EU is expected to seek to protect terms such as Parma ham (prosciutto) and feta cheese, making any use of such names exclusive to the areas of origin.
International Herald Tribune, 17/03/05
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