Where Are You From: The EU-China Agreement On Geographical Indications

Recently published in the World Trademark Review, Susan Fan uncovers the effects of the EU-China Agreement on Geographical Indications.

Introduction

On 1 March 2021, the AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE GOVERNMENT OF THE PEOPLE'S REPUBLIC OF CHINA AND THE EUROPEAN UNION ON COOPERATION ON, AND PROTECTION OF, GEOGRAPHICAL INDICATIONS ("the EU-China GIs Agreement") came into effect. The EU-China GIs Agreement protects around 200 iconic European and Chinese goods against imitation and misuse, recognizing 100 Geographical Indications ("GI") each from the European Union and China, with a second batch to follow that will include an additional 175 GIs each from the EU and China within four years. Now in force, the EU-China GIs Agreement will further strengthen the trade and economic cooperation between the EU and China and benefit consumers and enterprises on both sides. This article will explore what geographical indications are, the effect of the EU-China GIs Agreement and how