Geographical Indications of Traditional Handicrafts: A Cultural Element in a Predominantly Economic Activity

The effect of globalization has seen a cross-cultural exchange of cultural forms and cultural diversity. This demands seeking the most effective, comprehensive, and appropriate mechanisms to safeguard and protect traditional knowledge. Established international treaties and regional/national conventions appear to cover the international trade in products but to what degree they discriminate among products should be tested. In order to do so international and regional legislation as well as bilateral agreements between the European Union and Latin American countries will be considered. Additionally, when handicrafts are at issue the debate over the relationship between cultural heritage and intellectual property is relevant. This paper addresses the topic of geographical indications as a tool to protect, but also to safeguard and preserve, traditional handicrafts. By examining local frameworks and the importance of international harmony, the study will show that the protection of geographical indications goes beyond economic goals.