Source: EURLEX
Language: en
Format: md

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

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# 91998E1109

**WRITTEN QUESTION No. 1109/98 by Luigi FLORIO to the Commission. Protection of European wines with designations of origin** 
  
*Official Journal C 354 , 19/11/1998 P. 0063*

  

WRITTEN QUESTION P-1109/98 by Luigi Florio (PPE) to the Commission (30 March 1998)

Subject: Protection of European wines with designations of origin

Is the Commission aware that certain winegrowers in the United States produce wine that is then marketed using the names of some of the most famous European, and in particular Italian, wines with designations of origin?

This problem is due to the fact that there are no instruments for the legal protection of wines with designations of origin in non-European countries which have not signed the Lisbon Agreement in the context of the GATT Agreements.

Does the Commission agree that it should take measures to prevent the problem from spreading and thereby causing extremely serious damage to the European wine-growing sector by undermining the image of our most prestigious wines and their presence on the internal and international markets?

Answer given by Mr Fischler on behalf of the Commission (30 April 1998)

The Commission is aware of the matter brought to its attention by the Honourable Member.

The World Trade Organisation (WTO) agreement on the trade-related aspects of intellectual property rights (TRIPs), signed by the Community in 1994, requires WTO members to protect the geographical designations of other members. Exceptions are provided for, however, particularly under Article 24(4), which permits WTO members who have been using continuously for at least 10 year prior to 15 April 1994, or in good faith, specific geographical designations belonging to other members and identifying wines or spirits with persons living in those geographical areas, to continue to do so in a similar way.

While seeing to it that its rights under the WTO are respected, the Community has the priority objective in the wine-growing sector also of concluding bilateral agreements to improve the protection for geographical designations as provided for in Article 24(1) of the agreement.

Concerning the matter notified by the Honourable Member, the Commission is making every effort to ensure that negotiations can be conducted on this aspect with the United States.

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