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Challenges and opportunities for protecting geographical indications in Thailand

Author

Listed:
  • Chuthaporn Ngokkuen

    (Research Fellow, the Institute for Environmental Economics and World Trade, School of Economics and Management, Leibniz University Hannover, Germany)

  • Ulrike Grote

    (Professor, the Institute for Environmental Economics and World Trade, School of Economics and Management, Leibniz University Hannover, Germany)

Abstract

In this paper, the legal framework for the protection of geographical indications (GIs) in Thailand is analysed and challenges the country has been facing in that regard are discussed. Although the legal protection of GIs is ensured by the World Trade Organization, unresolved issues remain concerning GI protection in Thailand. Biopiracy, existing conflicts of interests concerning different types of intellectual property rights (trademarks and patents versus GIs) and the rise in regional and bilateral trade agreements have created major challenges at the multilateral level. In drawing on GI cases in Thailand, in particular that concerning jasmine rice, an attempt is made to further analyse these challenges to protect genetic resources from the perspective of Thailand. This paper concludes with suggestions on how such challenges can be mitigated and in which direction trade negotiations should be shaped.

Suggested Citation

  • Chuthaporn Ngokkuen & Ulrike Grote, 2012. "Challenges and opportunities for protecting geographical indications in Thailand," Asia-Pacific Development Journal, United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP), vol. 19(2), pages 93-123, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:unt:jnapdj:v:19:y:2012:i:2:p:93-123
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Intellectual property; geographical indications; biopiracy; jasmine rice; Thailand;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • O13 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Economic Development - - - Agriculture; Natural Resources; Environment; Other Primary Products
    • O34 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Innovation; Research and Development; Technological Change; Intellectual Property Rights - - - Intellectual Property and Intellectual Capital
    • Q17 - Agricultural and Natural Resource Economics; Environmental and Ecological Economics - - Agriculture - - - Agriculture in International Trade
    • Q18 - Agricultural and Natural Resource Economics; Environmental and Ecological Economics - - Agriculture - - - Agricultural Policy; Food Policy; Animal Welfare Policy

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