Geographical Indications: A Link Between the Product and the Region
Geographical Indications: A Link Between Product and Region
A Geographical Indication (GI) is used to identify products whose characteristics are granted by the natural qualities of the geographical environment, and they are recognized as originating from that specific region, with particular qualities, reputation, or other characteristics. Some well-known examples include: “Swiss watches,” “Roquefort cheese,” “Tequila,” “Cognac,” “Scotch,” and “Thai silk.”
Generally, a geographical indication consists of the name of the place of origin of the product, such as “Café de Colombia” or “Darjeeling” black tea from India. However, there are also names that do not necessarily correspond to geographic locations, such as “Vinho Verde” (Portugal), “Cava” (Spain), or “Argan oil” (Morocco). The legal treatment depends on the domestic regulations of each country and, of course, the acceptance of the consumer.
Scope of Geographical Indications
It’s important to note that Geographical Indications are not limited to agricultural products, as they also recognize and highlight specific skills and manufacturing traditions. This is the case for handcrafted goods, which are typically made by hand using local natural resources and traditional craftsmanship.
What Are the Benefits of Declaring a Geographical Indication?
- Economic Gains: In the marketing and export of products.
- Legal Protection: Allows the creation of enforcement and marketing strategies.
- Prevents Unfair Competition: Helps identify imitations or counterfeits.
- Trust: Consumers and marketers know and trust the quality.
- Added Value: Provides the product with added value, reflected in the price.
- Cohesion: Fosters unity among producers in a specific geographical area and other parties involved in its production and commercialization.
- Differentiation: Distinguishes the product’s unique characteristics and facilitates access to both domestic and international markets.
- Code of Practice or Usage Regulation: Its development is essential to establish traceability, verification, and control systems to guarantee quality and compliance.
International Recognition and Protection
Since the adoption of the Agreement on Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS Agreement) in 1994, there has been growing attention from governments, producers, exporters, and consumers regarding this issue. In the context of an increasingly open and interconnected international trade system, the appropriate protection of Geographical Indications is now more relevant than ever.
Written by: Didier Alemán
