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 documents on geographical indications
- Internet Domain Names and Geographical Indications (SCT/10/6) (April 3, 2003)
- Geographical Indications (SCT/10/4) (March 25, 2003)
- Geographical Indications and the Territoriality Principle (SCT/9/5) (October 1, 2002)
- The Definition of Geographical Indications (SCT/9/4) (October 1, 2002)
- Geographical Indications: Historical Background, Nature of Rights, Existing Systems for Protection and Obtaining Protection in other Countries (SCT/8/5) (April 2, 2002)
- Possible Solutions for Conflicts between Trademarks and Geographical Indications and for Conflicts between Homonymous Geographical Indications (SCT/5/3) (June 8, 2000)