Geographical Indication
Introduction A geographical indicator (GI) is a name or symbol that appears on items and refers to a specific geographic place of origin (e.g., a town, region, or country). The use of a geographical indicator as a source indication functions as a certification that the product has specific attributes is created using traditional techniques or has a high reputation because of its geographical origin. Geographic indications are defined as "indications that identify a good as originating in the territory of a Member [of the World Trade Organization], or a region or locality within that territory, where a given quality, reputation, or another characteristic of the good is essentially attributable to its geographical origin," according to Article 22.1 of the TRIPS Agreement. Since at least the end of the 19th century, governments have protected trade names and trademarks of food products associated with a specific region by enacting laws against false trade descriptions or passing...