This article examines the origins, gestation and promulgation of ACTA. It observes that the negotiation of ACTA under conditions of secrecy and confidentiality has created a new paradigm for the negotiation of international intellectual property instruments

During the last twenty years the international protection of geographical indications (GIs) has experienced a worldwide resurgence spurred by both the greater need and the additional opportunities offered by the global marketplace for the diversification of agricultural products and foodstuffs....