Overview of geographical indications in northeast Brazil

Abstract

The Geographical Indication (GI) is a distinctive signo f recognition of the quality and/or notoriety of a product or service. It is a legal tool that provides protection to na asset. It has two species: Designation of Origin (DO) and Indication of Origin (IP). Brazil has heterogeneous geographical characteristics according to its socioecnomic and territorial development, making some of them producer and consumer centers. The country is divided into five region. The Northeast region is composed of nine states and currently has 16 GIs in the IP modality, which represent 18.18% of the total granted in Brazil, and two in the DO modality, which represent 7.69% of the national total. The present work aims to prospect GI registration in the IP modality in the Northeast Region of Brazil and its growth over time. The methodology used was exploratory and descriptive, using as a tool the bibliographic review in scientific journals and on the website of the National Institute of Industrial Property (INPI). The first of IP occurred in 2009, while in the DO species it was in 2011. In 2012 there was the highest number of registrations, with 4 concessions. Bahia leads in the number with five, two of which are shared with Pernambuco. Maranhão does not yet have any IP granted. The Northeast Region has grat potential to register other products as GI, due to its demographic area, population, tradition, culture, ethnic diversity, rich biodiversity, traditional peoples, quilombolas and indigenous people with their vast knowledge of arts, drinks and plant cultivation.