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EU adopts deal with Georgia on protection of geographic indications

This will help to eradicate counterfeit products on the markets and prevent any attempts of stealing geographic indications

TBILISI, February 15 (Itar-Tass) — The European Union’s Transport, Telecommunications and Energy Council approved an agreement with Georgia on protection of geographic indications of agricultural products and foodstuff, Georgia’s Foreign Ministry said on Wednesday.

The agreement “is one more step towards deepening relations between Georgia and the EU, it will help to eradicate counterfeit products on the markets and prevent any attempts of stealing geographic indications,” the ministry said.

Georgia and the European Union signed the document on July 14, 2011. The EU Council adopted it on February 14.

Under the agreement at the first stage EU member-states will officially register and protect from counterfeiting 18 indications of Georgian wines – Khvanchkara, Tvishi, Kindzmarauli, Saperavi, Mukuzani, and Akhasheni.

Georgia in turn will register around 3,000 geographic indications of EU agricultural products and foodstuff.

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