Appellation of Origin under the Lisbon System: a Special Kind of Geographical Indication
An appellation of origin (AO) is a special kind of geographical indication. It generally consists of a geographical name or a traditional designation used on products which have a specific quality or characteristics that are essentially due to the geographical environment in which they are produced. The concept of appellation of origin is encompassed by the concept of geographical indication (GI).
The Lisbon System
WIPO administers the Lisbon System which was established under the 1958 Lisbon Agreement for the Protection of Appellations of Origin and their International Registration in order to facilitate the international protection of AOs. The Lisbon system offers a means of obtaining protection for an AO in the contracting parties to the Lisbon Agreement through a single registration. Registrations are published in the official Bulletin “Appellations of Origin” and can be searched through the Lisbon Express database.
Contracting parties to the Lisbon Agreement.
International Registration Modalities
See About the Lisbon Agreement.
Review of the Lisbon System
- September 2008: The Assembly of the Lisbon Union establishes the Working Group on the Development of the Lisbon System
- March 2009: First Session of the Working Group on the Development of the Lisbon System
- September 2009: The Assembly adopts amendments to the Regulations under the Lisbon Agreement [PDF] and mandates the Working Group to look for further improvements to the Lisbon system with the aim to attract a larger membership
- September 2009: WIPO initiates a survey among various Governments and other stakeholders
- January 1, 2010: Entry into force of amendments to the Regulations under the Lisbon Agreement (PDF) and of Administrative Instructions [PDF] established by the Director General of WIPO in consultation with Member States
- August 30-September 3, 2010: Second Session of the Working Group on the Development of the Lisbon System
- May 23-27, 2011: Third Session of the Working Group on the Development of the Lisbon System
- September 2011: The Assembly adopts amendments to Rule 5(3) and Rule 16(1) of the Regulations under the Lisbon Agreement and takes note of the considerable progress made, and the planned work ahead, in the review of the Lisbon system
- December 12-16, 2011: Fourth Session of the Working Group on the Development of the Lisbon System
- June 11-15, 2012: Fifth Session of the Working Group on the Development of the Lisbon System
Events
Informative Brochure on the Lisbon System (WIPO publication No.942)
