41. The representative of Costa Rica recalled that his delegation had co-sponsored the room document introduced by New Zealand. With regard to the Chair's first question, his delegation agreed with the statements of the United States, Chinese Taipei and Guatemala that in order to move forward Members needed to focus on the mandate which was to facilitate, and not to increase, protection. To achieve this, his delegation could accept an obligation for authorities to consult the database and take decisions in accordance with their domestic legislation, while respecting the balance of rights and obligations and the principle of territoriality. On the question of how to consult the register, the answer would depend on each national system and legislation. His delegation could not accept a proposal that changed the burden of proof or extended the register to GIs for products other than wines and spirits, as that went beyond the mandate.
