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Geographical Indication

A name or a sign used on certain products corresponding to a specific geographical origin and often possessing qualities or a reputation that are due to that place of origin.

Geographical indications (GIs) identify a geographical area in which one or several enterprises which produce the kind of product for which geographical indications are located. GIs differ from trademarks enterprises that offer certain products and services in the market.

Special kind of geographical indication is used on products that have a specific quality that is exclusively or essentially due to the geographical environment in which the products are created. An appellation of origin is more precise since it indicates that the product has certain qualities derived from its geographical origin.

Geographical Indications Protection

GIs afford the right to prevent unauthorized persons from using GIs, either for products which do not originate from geographical place indicated, or not complying with prescribed quality standards. Furthermore, it is important to protect GIs against becoming generic expressions- lose their protection. They are protected in accordance with national laws and under a wide range of concepts, such as laws against unfair competition, consumer protection laws, laws for the protection of certification marks or special laws for the protection of geographical indications or appellations of origin. The protection period for geographical indications ranges from 10 to 25 years.