Abstract

The objective of this paper is to analyse the effectiveness and sufficiency of current mechanisms in Iran to protect their
carpet industry and the best way to improve current situation. In doing so, the existing treaties such as the Madrid Protocol,
the Lisbon Agreement and the TRIPS Agreement and their differences are considered. This paper finds that the Lisbon
Agreement and the Madrid Protocol are not sufficient to protect the Iranian carpet industry that encompasses Iranian
traditions and skills transferred over centuries. The paper also points out some loopholes in the law of protection of
geographical indication within the existing conventions vis-à-vis those Iran has not been given access to. It is argued that the geographical indication of Iranian handmade carpets that is left semi-protected should be protected through a more
acceptable agreement such as the TRIPS Agreement to suit the needs of such products.