In different countries and regions, geographical indications (GIs) are protected through a variety of approaches.
There are three main modalities of protection for GIs:
Expert tip: For specific information on GI protection in your country, consult the relevant national or regional IP office.
Generally, protection may be requested by a group of producers or manufacturers of the product identified by the GI. The producers or manufacturers may be organized as an entity, such as a cooperative or association, which represents them and ensures that the product fulfils certain requirements, which they have agreed upon or adhered to. In some jurisdictions, protection may also be requested by a local government body.
The right to use a protected geographical indication belongs to producers or manufacturers in the geographical area defined, who comply with the specific standards of the production (also known as “code of practice” or “regulations of use”).
GI rights are territorial, which means that these rights are limited to the country or region where protection is granted.
There are three main ways of protecting a GI abroad: