No L 13/16 Official Journal of the European Communities 21. 1. 93 COMMISSION DECISION " of 21 December 1992 ‘setting up a scientific committee for designations of origin, geographical indications and certificates of specific character (93/53/EEC) THE COMMISSION OF THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITIES, Having regard to the Treaty establishing the European Economic Community, Whereas within the framework of Community protection of designations of origin and geographical indications, registration thereof may involve examining problems concerning the generic nature of a name and the factors to be taken into account when defining the designation of origin and geographical indication for agricultural products and foodstuffs, on the one hand, and the appli- cation of criteria regarding fair competition in commer- cial transactions and the danger of confusing consumers within the meaning of Articles 13 and 14 of Council Regulation (EEC) No 2081/92 (') in cases where there is a conflict between the designation of origin or geographical indication and the trademark, homonyms or existing products which are legally marketed, on the other hand ; Whereas within the framework of Community protection of certificates of specific character, thereof may involve examining problems concerning assessment of the traditional nature of agricultural products and foodstuffs ; Whereas the search for solutions to such problems requires the assistance of highly qualified experts with legal or agricultural backgrounds, and particularly with knowledge of intellectual property rights; Whereas it is therefore appropriate to set up a scientific committee to assist the Commission, HAS DECIDED AS FOLLOWS: Article 1 A scientific committee, hereinafter called ‘the Committee’, is hereby established to assist the Commis- sion. Article 2 The task of the Committee shall be to examine, at the . request of the Commission, all technical problems rela- ting to the application of Regulation (EEC) No 2081/92 () OJ No L 208, 24. 7. 1992, p. 1. registration: and Council Regulation (EEC) No 2082/92 (?) with regard to the registration of names of agricultural products and foodstuffs and cases of conflict between Member States, in particular : ' 1. the factors to be taken into account when defining geographical indications and designations of origin ‘and exceptions thereto, particularly exceptional reputa- tion and renown; 2. generic nature ; 3. the assessment of traditional nature ; 4. the assessment of criteria regarding fair competition in commercial transactions and the risk of confusing - consumers in cases of conflict between the designation of origin or geographical indication and the trademark, homonyms or existing products which are legally marketed. ' - Article 3 1.  The members of the Committee shall be appointed by the Commission from among highly-qualified experts with competence in the fields referred to in Article 2. 2.  The Committee shall consist of seven members and seven alternate members authorized to participate in the meetings. Article 4 1. The Committee shall elect a Chairman and a Vice- Chairman from among its members. They shall be elected on the basis of a simple majority. 2. The Commission shall provide the secretariat of the Committee. Article 5 The Committee’s proceedings shall be valid only when all its members are present. The Committee shall give a favourable opinion when votes in favour exceed votes against. Where votes in favour and against are equal, abstention shall be considered as a vote in favour. () OJ No L 208, 24. 7. 1992, p. 9.