Individual Consultant for Review of Ethiopia's Legislation on Geographical Indication

Ethiopia is undertaking different preparatory activities in view of ensuring integration into the global trading system, as a full member of World Trade Organization (WTO). One of the key objectives of the government of Ethiopia in relation to the WTO agreement is to facilitate the integration of the national economy into the international trade system and maximize the benefits from WTO membership for the realization of the objectives of the country’s development strategy.   However, as the experiences of other WTO acceded countries show, the accession process is so complex which demands various preparations, most of which are  related to reviewing of existing laws, regulations  and developing  proper laws such as  Geographical indications (GIs).

Ethiopian Intellectual Property Office (EIPO), which was established in 2003 by Proclamation No. 320/2003, is working hard to initiate policies and legislative action in relation to IPR, to implement IPR related laws and review the existing laws in light of the appropriate international conventions, laws and treaties. 

As part of its attempt to discharge its responsibilities, EIPO is trying its level best and working with other national and international development partners to make progress in this regard. The current call for individual consultant to submit technical and financial proposal on review of the draft geographical indication law of the country is one of the great jobs done by EIPO towards capacitating the country in its effort to join the WTO membership.

Hence, this technical proposal is a response for the call of EIPO to submit and considered in the process of procuring relevant individual consultancy service. The individual consultant is expected to handle the assigned task of assessing the draft legislation document in line with the existing trade related laws, international property rights, TRIPS and other international standards and norms. 

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