OZNACZENIA GEOGRAFICZNE PRODUKTÓW ROLNO-SPOŻYWCZYCH JAKO KWESTIA SPORNA W NEGOCJACJACH TRANSATLANTYCKIEGO PARTNERSTWA HANDLOWO-INWESTYCYJNEGO
GEOGRAPHICAL INDICATIONS FOR AGRI-FOOD PRODUCTS FOOD AS AN CONTENTIOUS ISSUE IN THE NEGOTIATIONS OF THE TRANSATLANTIC PARTNERSHIP IN TRADE AND INVESTMENT

Summary/Abstract: Geographical indications are considered to be a serious non-tariff barrier in trade relations between the United States and the European Union. The aim of this paper is to analyze the causes and scope of divergence in the European Union’s and the United States’ positions on the GIs protection for agri-food products in the current negotiations of the TTIP. It also tries to assess the possibility of reaching a compromise in the view of both the existing conditions and potential benefits and threats. Based on the results of research carried out through the study of literature and analysis of the source documents, it can be stated that the United States and European Union use different regulatory systems regarding geographical indications, that reflect the different approaches to the issue of GIs protection. Greater harmonization of the rules will be difficult to achieve due to significant differences of the economic interests of the parties. The agreement on this issue, if it is reached, is likely to have a limited scope and require the use of long transition periods. Moreover, the analysis revealed that existing regulatory barriers have their source in current commercial interests, but also in a different perception of the problem of intellectual property protection, consumer rights, traditions or cultural identity.

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