Webinar held 16 November 2020.
Hosted by the European Union Centre of Excellence at RMIT University.
The European Union (EU) system of Geographical Indications (GIs) has been a prominent means of promoting provenance as a basis for success in European and global markets, and an important resource for supporting rural development throughout Europe.
The EU is also strong advocate of GIs being used to promote specific places and their products in other parts of the world. The importance of this issue is reflected in the current negotiations for a Free Trade Agreement between Australia and the EU, and in the consultation process on a GIs right being established in Australia.
This seminar examined if, and how, the establishment of a GIs right in Australia will contribute to a successful conclusion to the negotiations with the EU, and also contribute to the stronger protection of provenance in a way that enhances the competitiveness of Australian producers in rural areas.
Speakers included:
Raimondo Serra, Deputy Head of the Unit Responsible for “Asia and Australasia” in the Directorate-General for Agriculture and Rural Development of the European Commission.
Ash Salardini, Chief Economist and General Manager Trade, National Farmers Federation.
Dr Paula Zito, Food Geographical Indications Consultant, Legal Practitioner (Intellectual Property and Commercial), Associate Teacher in Law, Adelaide Law School, The University of Adelaide.
Todd Babiak, CEO, Brand Tasmania.
Will Studd, International Cheese Specialist and Writer, Distributor and Maker of the TV show 'Cheese Slices'.
Professor Bruce Wilson (RMIT) was the moderator of this event.
You can watch a video recording of webinar (edited for length) here.
Further reading and information:
EU-Australia Free Trade Agreement via DFAT
EU-Australia Free Trade Agreement via European Commission
Consultation on a Possible New Geographical Indications Right via IP Australia I Australian Govt
Recent Journal Articles
Paula Zito (2020) “Protection of Australian Regional Names as Food Geographical Indications – South Australian Case Study: Part 1” Australian Intellectual Property Journal 31(1), 43-63
Paula Zito (2019) “Australian Laws and Regulations on Regional Branding on Food and Wine Labels: Part 1” Australian Intellectual Property Journal 29(2), 67-90
Paula Zito (2019) “Australian Laws and Regulations on Regional Branding on Food and Wine Labels: Part 2” Australian Intellectual Property Journal 29(3), 127-179
Sophie Di Francesco-Mayot & Bruce Wilson (2019) “Stretching the Imagination: Geographical Indications in the EU-Australia FTA Negotiations” Australian and New Zealand Journal of European Studies 11(2), 3-15
Policy Note
Carsten Daugbjerg & Hazel V J Moir (2019) “EUOzCEC Policy Brief 2: Labelling Food: Organics and Geographical Names” ANU Centre for European Studies Policy Notes Issue 4
