Survey on the Lisbon System

Basis

At its first session, which took place in Geneva from March 17 to 20, 2009, the Working Group on the Development of the Lisbon System (Appellations of Origin) (hereinafter referred to as “the Working Group”) agreed, inter alia, that the International Bureau of the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) should conduct a survey with a view to ascertaining how the Lisbon system might be improved, in order that the system would become more attractive for users and prospective new members of the Lisbon Agreement for the Protection of Appellations of Origin and their International Registration (hereinafter referred to as "the Lisbon Agreement") while preserving the principles and objectives of the Agreement.

Addressees

The International Bureau of WIPO hereby initiates this survey and calls upon contracting States of the Lisbon Agreement, States non-members of the Lisbon system, interested intergovernmental and non-governmental organizations, as well as interested circles to submit any suggestions they may have for such improvements. [Further information on the survey may be obtained on the Lisbon system website at: http://www.wipo.int/lisbon/en/.]

Structure of Survey and Questions to be Addressed

In order to structure the submission of suggestions, the International Bureau has prepared a number of questions on which it is requested that submissions focus. Space is provided for submissions to address any other questions or issues. These questions can be found in the Survey in Annex I below.

For reference purposes, a general overview of the Lisbon system, as contained in Annex II of document LI/WG/DEV/1/2 Rev. , which was considered by the Working Group at its first session and will be further considered at the next session of the Working Group, is provided in Annex II below.

Addresses for Communicating Input

Submissions can be sent by post to the International Appellations of Origin Registry at WIPO, 34, chemin des Colombettes, 1211 Geneva 20, Switzerland. They can also be sent by facsimile: +41 22 338 8160; or by e-mail: lisbon.system@wipo.int.

Time-limit

The results of the survey will be considered by the Working Group on the Development of the Lisbon System (Appellations of Origin), which will have its next session in the first part of 2010. Therefore, it would be preferable if input would be submitted by the end of 2009.