Republic of Moldova and European Union have signed on 26 June this year in Brussels the Agreement on the Protection of Geographical Indications (GIs) for Agricultural Products and Foodstuffs. The document was signed during the working visit of Prime Minister Vladimir Filat in Brussels, the event being attended by many European officials.
State Agency on Intellectual Property of the Republic of Moldova (AGEPI) was actually involved in negotiating the Agreement on the Protection of Geographical Indications. Thus, for the purpose of execution of the Governmental Decision of the Republic of Moldova no. 307 of 23.04.2010 on the conclusion of the Agreement between the Government of the Republic of Moldova and the European Union on the Protection of Geographical Indications for Agricultural Products and Foodstuffs, AGEPI published for public consultation the Lists of EU geographical indications proposed for protection in the Republic of Moldova. These were inserted in a special edition of the Official Bulletin of Industrial Property (BOPI). Also, AGEPI provided the examination of EU geographical indications in terms of granting their protection in the Republic of Moldova.
In a short time, after declaring its independence, Moldova has managed to develop a national framework harmonized with the acquis communautaire, including for providing the protection of GIs. Our country has considerable potential in the production of wines and other products eligible to bear geographical indications and designations of origin. The utilization of this potential requires joint efforts of producers and local associations for registration of GIs and appellations of origin under the Law. 66-XVI of 27 March 2008 on the Protection of Geographical Indications, Appellations of Origin and Traditional Specialties Guaranteed.
Thus, signing of the Agreement between the Government of the Republic of Moldova and the European Union on the Protection of Geographical Indications for Agricultural Products and Foodstuffs will contribute to recognition of Moldovan products with GI and AO on the European market and promotion of exports of such products, which have greater marketing potential compared with the ordinary ones.
For further information access: http://eeas.europa.eu/delegations/moldova/documents/press_corner/geographical_indications_mo.pdf [1]