Last week the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) hosted a discussion group of 15 leading economists from around the world on the economics of intellectual property. The function of this exercise was to review the available economic literature in this field and identify empirical research projects that could be undertaken in developing countries and countries in transition. Discussion focused on six draft papers, one of which - The Economics of Geographical Indications - is of specific interest to the trade mark professions and brand-based industries.