Mercosur agreement on GIs approved by the Brazilian Senate

Under the agreement, the Bloc's member states (Argentina, Brazil, Uruguay, Paraguay) undertake to mutually respect the GIs of each country contained in a resolution approved by the Common Market Group (GMC), the main executive body of Mercosur. 

Main points of the agreement:

- Possibility of coexistence of two or more GIs on the same product or service;

- It will be possible for a GI similar to that of another country outside the Bloc to coexist. 

- Recognized GIs will not be registrable as brands for similar products or services in member countries, except when the application for the trade mark registration is prior to the resolution of the GMC;

- Brands containing GIs will not be registered when their use constitutes an act of unfair competition or misleads the consumer.

INPI Brazil considers that the ratification of the agreement will contribute to the strengthening of Mercosur GIs.