Among developing countries, one can identify both proponents and opponents of extending the use of geographical indications (GIs) beyond wines and spirits. Such an extension is currently being discussed under the Agreement on Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS) of the World Trade Organization. While labeling is mostly based on private initiatives, GIs are considered to be long-term public rights. Proponents therefore regard GIs as the stronger tools for protecting their national property rights and offering them new opportunities to develop their export markets.

The United States and the European Union have in recent years initiated negotiations on a large number of bilateral and regional trade agreements. These agreements tend to push trade liberalisation much further than is possible under the multilateral trade regime. These rtas also include rules which are likely to reduce the policy space for developing countries.

A number of models

This paper examines the evolution of the new development enclaves