Geographical Indications Law in Palau
As of 2025, the Republic of Palau does not have a dedicated legal framework for the protection of Geographical Indications (GIs). The country lacks an official trademark registration system, and there is no established process for registering or enforcing GIs. Consequently, Palauan products with unique regional characteristics, such as traditional crafts or agricultural goods, do not benefit from formal legal protection against misuse or misrepresentation
🇵🇼 Legal Landscape in Palau
Absence of GI Legislation: Palau does not have specific laws or regulations governing the recognition and protection of GIs.
Trademark Registration: There is no official trademark registration system in Palau. This absence means that businesses cannot obtain trademark protection through a formal registration process. While some entities may publish warning notices in local newspapers to assert their use of a particular mark, these do not confer legal rights or protections.
International Obligations: Palau is a member of the World Trade Organization (WTO) and is bound by the Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS) Agreement. Article 22 of the TRIPS Agreement requires members to provide legal means for the protection of GIs, including preventing the use of misleading geographical terms. However, Palau has not yet implemented domestic legislation to comply with these obligations.
🌍 Regional and International Context
Despite the absence of national GI protection laws, Palau has engaged in regional conservation efforts that indirectly support the preservation of its natural resources and cultural heritage:
Protected Areas Network (PAN) Act: This legislation establishes a framework for the designation and management of marine and terrestrial protected areas. While not directly related to GIs, the PAN Act helps preserve the unique environments that contribute to the distinctiveness of local products.
Marine Protection Act of 1994: This Act identifies specific fish and sea life in need of special protective measures, including export bans and closed harvest seasons. These protections help maintain the integrity of marine resources that may be associated with potential GIs.
✅ Summary
Palau currently lacks a legal framework for the protection of Geographical Indications, and there is no official system for trademark registration. While the country is a signatory to international agreements like the TRIPS Agreement, it has not yet enacted domestic laws to protect GIs. However, regional conservation efforts under the PAN Act and the Marine Protection Act contribute to preserving the unique characteristics of Palauan products
RELATED Blog
0 comments