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WT/DS174 - European Communities - Protection of trademarks and geographical indications for agricultural products and foodstuffs

WTO dispute settlement case - Complaint against the EU

Country or region
United States
Trade topics
Dispute settlement
Dispute settlement
WTO - Complaint against the EU

Summary of the case

  • Complaint by: United States
  • Complaint against: EU
  • Third parties: Argentina, Austria, Brazil, Canada, China, Colombia, Guatemala, India, Mexico, New Zealand, Taiwan (Chinese Taipei), Turkey

The US complained that EC Regulation 2081/92 did not provide national treatment with respect to geographical indications and does not provide sufficient protection to pre-existing trademarks that are similar or identical to geographical indications (ex: Budweiser)

Relevant WTO provision: TRIPS (2, 3, 4, 16, 22, 24, 63, 65); GATT (III:4, I)

Status

First round of consultations took place on 9 July 1999. On 4 Apr. 2003 the US requested additional consultations. Consultations held on 27 May 2003. Panel established on 2 Oct. 2003.

  • Consultations requested: 01 June 1999
  • Panel requested: 18 August 2003
  • Panel established: 02 October 2003

Documents

EU submissions and other related documents

Full case details and WTO documents on the WTO website

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