The International Debate on Geographical Indications (GIs): The Point of View of the Global Coalition of GI Producers—oriGIn

Abstract

Geographical indications (GIs) have progressively become a global phenomenon. The Agreement on Trade‐Related Aspects of Intellectual Property has recognized GIs as a major category of intellectual property. Some 76 countries protect GIs today through specific legal systems (commonly referred to as sui generis), which provide for the registration of geographical names as a separate kind of intellectual property right. However, from the point of view of producers, several issues remain to be clarified in the international debate over GIs. First of all, the international rules do not provide the interested parties with effective legal remedies to stop infringements. As a result, unlawful uses of protected names have been increasing over the years. Monitoring GIs and reaching out to relevant enforcement authorities to denounce any eventual abuse are becoming complex and expensive tasks. Finally, in several countries, in spite of a tremendous potential, producers and policy‐makers have not yet fully grasped the role of GI in terms of sustainable development. In light of the above, the purpose of this article is to provide an overview of the major issues characterizing the international debate over GIs and present the strategy adopted by the global coalition of GI producers—oriGIn—to address those problems.