Event Report: 2nd International Conference on Geographical Indications ‘Worldwide Perspectives on Geographical Indications - International Conference for Researchers, Policy Makers and Practitioners: Innovations and Traditions for Sustainability’

The 2nd International Conference on GI was held in Rome, Italy, from 18 to 21 February 2025. The conference was organised by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), the Italian Ministry of Agriculture, Food Sovereignty and Forestry (MASAF), Centre for International Cooperation in Agricultural Research for Development (CIRAD), Swiss Federal Institute of Intellectual Property (IPI), Organization for an international network of geographical indications (origin) and the Qualivita Foundation. 

Dr. Charlene Musiza presented her research on the GI legal framework in South Africa. Her presentation titled ‘From Vineyards to Fields: The Evolution of Origin-linked Protection in South Africa’ traced the development of GI-specific legislation in South Africa. She outlined the progression from the Wine of Origin System established in terms of the Liquor Products Act back in 1973, to the Regulations Relating to the Protection of Geographical Indications used on Agricultural Products intended for Sale in the Republic of South Africa (GI Regulations of 2019), enacted in terms of the Agricultural Products Standards Act. 

In discussing the trajectory of GI protection in South Africa, Charlene highlighted the variety of legal regimes – trademark laws, consumer protection laws and sui generis legislation for specific products – and noted that what has emerged is a unique hybrid system. She discussed the provisions of the Agricultural Products Standards Act 119 of 1990, and the Liquor Products Act 60 of 1989, as examples of product specific legislation for origin-linked products, and the Merchandise Marks Act 17 of 1941 as a consumer protection law and the Trade Marks Act 194 of 1993 as the governing trademark regime. She further highlighted some provisions in the GI Regulations which reflect the influence of EU-SA Bilateral Protocol on GI, on the law that has emerged.