Over the last months, Lao People’s Democratic Republic (Lao PDR) was particularly active in the field of GIs:
- On 20 November, Lao PDR deposited its instrument of accession to the WIPO Geneva Act of the Lisbon Agreement on Appellations of Origin and Geographical Indications. This will allow Lao PDR GIs to obtain a high level of protection in the other contracting parties through a simple and cost-effective application procedure filed with the WIPO Secretariat. The list of countries that have already joined the Geneva Act is available @ WIPO-Administered Treaties. To know more about the benefits for GIs deriving from the Geneva Act, please consult our website .
- On the same day, Scotch Whisky was recognized as a GI, becoming the second international GI protected in the country after Champagne.
- On 7 October, “Houaphanh Silk” was recognized as a GI. The product’s specification provides the use of local mulberry varieties, silkworm species and natural dyes materials, combined with local weavers’ skills. It promotes sustainable agricultural practices and protects indigenous knowledge. Check out all national GIs recognized in Lao PDR in our worldwide GIs compilation
