The first meeting of the ARIPO ad hoc sub-working group on geographical indications (GIs) took place online on 16 June 2022. The working group comprises Ghana, Kenya, Liberia, Malawi, Mozambique and Zambia.
The aim of the sub-group was to discuss a suitable legal framework for the protection of GIs in ARIPO member states and was assisted by two consultants recruited by AfrIPI. One consultant is tasked with legal responsibilities, namely a legal gap analysis and review of the existing protocol on GI. The second consultant is tasked with a general needs assessment for managing GIs in ARIPO.
The objectives of the meeting were:
- to identify the thematic areas that will guide the work of the sub-group;
- to present the first draft of the second consultant's work, according to the thematic areas;
- to collate input from the sub-group delegates, in particular in respect of the identified thematic areas and their expansion in their country in ARIPO;
- to agree on the rules of procedures of the sub-group and the agenda.
Further meetings of the sub-group have been planned for 27 July 2022, 26 September and 27 October 2022.
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