Geographical Indications in the SCT
The Standing Committee on the Law of Trademarks, Industrial Designs and Geographical Indications (SCT) is a forum to discuss issues, facilitate coordination and provide guidance concerning the progressive international development of the law of trademarks, industrial designs and geographical indications, including the harmonization of national laws and procedures.
It was established by a decision of the Assemblies of the Member States of WIPO and the Unions administered by WIPO in March, 1998 (document A/32/7, paragraph 93). The SCT submits its recommendations and policies to the WIPO General Assembly for approval.
Membership of the SCT is open to all member countries of WIPO or of the Paris Union for the Protection of Industrial Property. In addition, participation in an observer capacity is open to all other United Nations Member States, intergovernmental organizations, and non-governmental organizations accredited with observer status at WIPO.
SCT meetings and documents on geographical indications
- SCT/5/3 : Possible Solutions for Conflicts between Trademarks and Geographical Indications and for Conflicts between Homonymous Geographical Indications (SCT Fifth Session, September 11 - 15, 2000)
- SCT 8/5: Addendum to Document SCT/6/3 Rev. (Geographical Indications: Historical Background, Nature of Rights, Existing Systems for Protection and Obtaining Protection in other Countries) (SCT Eighth Session, May 27 - 31, 2002)
- SCT 9/4: The Definition of Geographical Indications (SCT Ninth Session Nov 11 - 15, 2002)
- SCT 9/5: Geographical Indications and the Territoriality Principle (SCT Ninth Session Nov 11 - 15, 2002)
- SCT 10/4: Geographical Indications (SCT Tenth Session, April 28 - May 2, 2003)
- SCT 10/6: Internet Domain Names and Geographical Indications (SCT Tenth Session, April 28 - May 2, 2003)
