Czech Republic Joins the Geneva Act of the Lisbon Agreement

June 2, 2022

On June 2, 2022, the Government of the Czech Republic deposited its instrument of accession to the Geneva Act of the Lisbon Agreement on Appellations of Origin and Geographical Indication (“Geneva Act”). Two years after its entry into force, the Geneva Act now offers protection in 13 Contracting Parties, while the Lisbon System covers up to 57 countries.

This ratification will allow the Czech Republic to protect both its appellations of origin and geographical indications under the Geneva Act, including those in the non-agricultural product category such as “Bohemia Crystal” (glass product), “Český Porcelán” (porcelain) or “Kraslické Krajke” (hand-made lace), to name only a few, but also its renowned appellations of origin in the spirits and food product categories such as “Karlovarská Hořká” (spirit) or “Znojemské Okurky” (gherkins).

WIPO Director General Daren Tang with Ambassador Václav Bálek, Permanent Representative of the Czech Republic to the United Nations in Geneva and other international organizations in Switzerland. (Photo: WIPO/Berrod)

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

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Find out more

• About the Lisbon System
• Main Provisions and Benefits of the Geneva Act of the Lisbon Agreement
• Lisbon System Webinars