§ Mr. Parkasked the Secretary of State for Trade if any specific results have emerged from the representations made to the Japanese Government regarding the registration of British geographical names as trade marks.
§ Mr. Clinton DavisOver the years representations have been made by Her Majesty's Government in Japan about the registration of geographical names by firms in Japan with varying degrees of success, but the problem has continued. It is one which is not confined to the United Kingdom but also affects our Community partners. In October 1977 the EEC made strong representations regarding the matter to the Japanese Government and received a sympathetic response. However, discussions between the Community and the Government of Japan on the 789W whole question of the registration by the Japanese of geographical names as trade marks are to continue, and will take into account revised regulations that became effective in June 1978.