Story perspectives

US Challenges EU's Geographical Indications, Protects Generic Terms

2/13/2026

Summary

Story summary

The United States, through the U.S. Trade Representative, is taking a proactive stance against the European Union's geographical indication system that protects names like brie and parmesan, following the EU's 2024 agreement with Chile.
The U.S. Trade Representative has warned it will counter any EU initiatives that limit market access.
Bilateral agreements with Cambodia, Malaysia, and El Salvador include provisions to protect U.S. generic terms, directly challenging the EU's expansive GI definitions.

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Story summary

The United States, through the U.S. Trade Representative, is taking a proactive stance against the European Union's geographical indication system that protects names like brie and parmesan, following the EU's 2024 agreement with Chile.
The U.S. Trade Representative has warned it will counter any EU initiatives that limit market access.
Bilateral agreements with Cambodia, Malaysia, and El Salvador include provisions to protect U.S. generic terms, directly challenging the EU's expansive GI definitions.