Tunisia Joins the Geneva Act of the Lisbon Agreement
May 3, 2023
On April 6, 2023, the Government of Tunisia deposited its instrument of accession to the Geneva Act of the Lisbon Agreement on Appellations of Origin and Geographical Indications (Geneva Act).
Almost three years after its entry into force, the Geneva Act now offers protection in 17 Contracting Parties covering up to 55 countries, while the Lisbon System covers up to 70 countries in total.
This accession will allow Tunisia to protect both its appellations of origin and geographical indications under the Geneva Act such as its renowned “Figues de Djebba” (figs) or “Huile d’olive Téboursouk” (olive oil) in the agricultural and food products category, but also “Muscat de Kelibia” (wine), or “Coteaux de Tebourba” (wine) in the wine products category, to name only a few.
The Geneva Act will enter into force with respect to Tunisia on July 6, 2023.
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)
- Chulucanas (Peru)
- Banano de Costa Rica (Costa Rica)
- Grana Padano (Italy)
- Bohemia Crystal (Czech Republic)
- Figue de Djebba (Tunisia)