The symposium addresses the complex legal landscape surrounding the international protection of geographical indications. The proceedings from this 1999 event in South Africa convene experts to discuss the challenges and frameworks for safeguarding these unique product identifiers across borders. It examines the interplay between national laws and international agreements, considering the economic and cultural significance of geographical indications in global trade.

The proceedings of this symposium likely offer a comprehensive overview of the state of international intellectual property law concerning geographical indications at the turn of the millennium. The focus on legal frameworks, economic implications, and case studies suggests a text aimed at legal professionals, policymakers, and academics specializing in international trade and intellectual property. The collection of papers would provide valuable insights into the challenges and strategies for protecting these designations in a globalized marketplace.