'Study on the Functioning of the EU GIs System'; output of the work of the Max Planck Institute Research Team on Geographical Indications. Andrea Zappalaglio (Coordinator); Flavia Guerrieri; Suelen Carls; Alessandro Gocci

This article focuses on traditional specialties guaranteed (TSGs), the least researched of the EU quality schemes that also include the better known protected designation of origin (PDO) and protected geographical indication (PGI). Firstly, this contribution presents a historical account of the...

This article discusses the transformation of a distinctive trade sign into a generic term. Any distinctive trade sign carries this risk, primarily if it benefits from a high level of reputation or prestige, and the product identified is unique in the market. This is probably the most critical...

Origin-based production, including manufacturing, handicraft, and especially food production in Latin American countries, is essential to their economies. Quality differentiation systems such as geographical indications, designations of origin, collective and certification marks, and quality...

In the transition to sustainability, innovation will play a crucial role. As the latter follows intricate paths and processes, IPRs might impede further innovation and slow down the transition to sustainability by blocking innovative technologies – or making it harder to access them. Yet, when...

In this Statement, the authors take a position on the waiver of intellectual property (IP) protection currently being considered by the members of the World Trade Organisation. The waiver was initiated by India and South Africa as a measure to enable rapid access to affordable medical products...

The defensive protection of traditional knowledge (TK) is one of the IP law mechanisms envisaged to protect cultural heritage and guarantee the rights of indigenous and local communities. Through it, information on the prior existence of this knowledge is used to prevent the fulfillment of...

Spanish Abstract: La producción desarrollada localmente, incluyendo la manufactura, la artesanía y especialmente la producción de alimentos en los países latinoamericanos, es esencial para sus economías. Los sistemas de diferenciación de la calidad, como las indicaciones geográficas, las...

The present paper is aimed at sharing my sceptical views concerning the future of the TRIPs Agreement and its ability to provide solutions to the current challenges in the field of International Intellectual Property Law (IIP). In particular, this analysis will focus on the failure to provide...