GEOGRAPHICAL INDICATIONS VIDEO FOCUSES GOES ATTENTION

UNCLAS SAN SALVADOR 002793 SIPDIS STATE FOR EB/IPE STATE PASS USTR FOR DMULLANEY STATE PASS USPTO FOR DLASHLEY-JOHNSON USDA/FAS FOR JHURST GUATEMALA FOR FAS SHUETE E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: EAGR ETRD KIPR ES WTO SUBJECT: GEOGRAPHICAL INDICATIONS VIDEO FOCUSES GOES ATTENTION Refs: A) SECSTATE 180474, B) SECSTATE 165908, C) SECSTATE 131291 ¶1. (U) On October 12, Economic Counselor and Agricultural Specialist showed ref a video to representatives of the trade policy offices of the Ministries of Agriculture and Economy, of the National Registry Center (CNR),and of the National Science and Technology Committee (CONACYT). Embassy staff emphasized the importance of dealing with intellectual property issues in the correct forum in WTO discussions as well as the possible negative trade implications of the EU proposal on geographical indications for producers and governments in the region. Post also shared ref a talking points and the EU "clawback list" with participants. ¶2. (U) Participants took the message well and with interest. The CONACYT Regulatory Office Chief agreed that the EU proposal raised difficulties, recalling discussion in the context of the international Codex Alimentarius committee regarding parmesan cheese. The CNR representative added that the CNR was interested in raising awareness in the broader Salvadoran community about the issue and commented that a video was an effective vehicle to convey key points related to common marks. The Ministry of Economy intellectual property negotiator wrapped up the comment session by acknowledging the need to coordinate the issue within El Salvador. No specific commitment was made regarding upcoming October meetings in Geneva. ¶3. (U) Comment: Showing the video was an effective means of focusing the attention of officials from a number of agencies on a single issue and raising interest in possible follow up activities, such as using the Cochran Fellowship to educate Salvadoran officials on the U.S. registry system. Post thanks Department for its efforts to support this important demarche.