'Stretching the Imagination': Geographical Indications in the EU-Australia FTA Negotiations

The launch of negotiations for an EU-Australia 'free trade agreement' (FTA) on 18 June 2018 was a confirmation 'like-minded' strong partnership, in which both parties had high hopes ambitious agreement would test the new wave protectionism promoted by Donald Trump.Nonetheless, initial rounds revealed several issues illustrate scale challenge to be addressed. One such example issue Geographical Indications (GI). EU and its member states adopt approach is highly regulated prescriptive safeguard authenticity produce encourage rural development. Australia approaches this kind intellectual property via trademark system as well sui generis better capture benefits innovation. This paper analyses challenges opportunities accord GI's could have regions, context negotiations. claims that while significant outcome overall FTA, process adopted itself reflection ambition amicable, dynamic innovative negotiating process.