51. The representative of Japan said that similarly to the point his delegation had made concerning transliteration, the translation of geographical indications had a close relationship with the legal effects and with the implications for the workload of national authorities. This was because translation could require transliteration. This would be a key element for Japan and other Members to check in relation to TRIPS requirements with regard to notified geographical indications and would directly influence the capacity of the competent authority depending on what degree of legal effects would flow from the system. In this regard, Japan favoured the joint proposal approach, which was voluntary, less burdensome and non legally binding. The language issue should be carefully considered in the design of the notification part of the system.
