66. The representative of Japan said that, according to his understanding, the EC had mentioned three categories of languages: first, the language of the country of origin; second, the WTO working languages, English, French and Spanish; and third, the languages of countries where the GI would be protected. He did not think that it was an easy task to make accurate translations encompassing these three categories of languages. For example, translating a term from the language of the country of origin into Japanese, through English, French or Spanish, seemed a difficult task. With respect to the legally binding system as proposed by the EC, the same notification of GIs would directly trigger the legal effect in every WTO Member, so the translation of GIs should be done very carefully because the translation of the GIs would also form the legal basis for procedures. As regards GIs from countries whose languages were less familiar in terms of pronunciation, the translation of the GI itself would not be sufficient for the different purposes of the trademark examination process. If the trademark examiners had to prepare the translation of data concerning the name of the region of production and also the product covered by the GI, then translation would be a great problem for Japan.
