Assembly of the Lisbon Union (October 3 to 11, 2016)

October 12, 2016

At its meeting from October 3 to 11, 2016, the Assembly of the Lisbon Union:

  • agreed that Lisbon Union members would make subventions for the Lisbon System in the current biennium to eliminate the projected biennial deficit of the Union, with commitments totaling more than CHF 1 million; and
  • decided to emphasize promotional activities for the Lisbon System and to continue considering proposals for achieving its long-term financial sustainability, including the establishment of a contribution system and monitoring of the fee schedule.

About the Geneva Act

The Geneva Act helps producers of quality products, linked to origin, to protect the distinctive designations of their products in multiple jurisdictions, either as appellations of origin or geographical indications, through a single application filed with WIPO, and the payment of one set of fees.


About the Lisbon System

The Lisbon System provides protection for names that identify the geographic origin of products such as coffee, tea, fruits, cheese, wine, pottery, glass and cloth.


Examples of appellations of origin and geographical indications

  • Kampot Pepper (Cambodia)
  • Comté (France)
  • Tokaj (Hungary)
  • Sarough Handmade Carpet (Iran)
  • Tequila (Mexico)
  • Porto (Portugal)

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