Source: EURLEX
Language: en
Format: md

[**Avis juridique important**](../../../editorial/legal_notice.htm)

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# 91996E1140

**WRITTEN QUESTION No. 1140/96 by Iñigo MÉNDEZ DE VIGO to the Commission. Register of products protected against imitation** 
  
*Official Journal C 011 , 13/01/1997 P. 0006*

  

WRITTEN QUESTION E-1140/96 by Iñigo Méndez de Vigo (PPE) to the Commission (13 May 1996)

Subject: Register of products protected against imitation

On 6 March 1996 the Commission approved two proposals to the Council for regulations containing lists of agricultural food products which should be protected against imitation.

Will the Commission say what products were included in this list? What criteria did the Commission use for selecting these products?

Answer given by Mr Fischler on behalf of the Commission (3 June 1996)

On 6 March the Commission adopted the first proposal containing 320 names for registration as designations of origin or geographical indications under the procedure provided for in Article 17 of Regulation (EEC) No 2081/92 ((OJ L 208, 24.7.1992. )) applying to names already protected or established by usage in Member States.

The names proposed for registration are those recognized as conforming to Articles 2 and 4 of the Regulation following mature consideration by the Commission. Article 2 lays down definitions and criteria for 'designation of origin' and 'geographical indication.'

In order to obtain the protection conferred by a designation of origin it has to be substantiated that the quality or characteristics of the product are essentially or exclusively due to the geographical environment, with its natural and human factors, and that production, processing and preparation take place in the defined geographical area.

In order to obtain the protection conferred by a geographical indication it has to be substantiated that a specific quality, reputation or other characteristics are attributable to that geographical origin and that production, processing or preparation take place in the defined geographical area.

Article 4 requires a specification with which a name seeking registration must comply.

Note that under Article 3 of Regulation (EEC) No 2081/92 names that have become generic may not be registered.

The list of 320 names is being sent direct to the Honourable Member and the Secretariat of Parliament.

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