CEFTA

Geographical indications (GIs)

One of the key rights of the EU’s IPR system are Geographical Indications (GIs). The WTO Agreement on Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS) defines GIs as “indications which identify a good as originating in the territory of a member, or a region or locality in that territory, where a given quality, reputation or other characteristic of the good is essentially attributable to its geographical origin. 

 

EU law provides for various types of GIs that protect different aspects of a product linked to its area of production, depending on the type of product and its link to the territory. The most common products that can be protected are food products, spirit drinks, and wine. Protection is granted through the following concepts:  

  • Protected Designations of Origin (PDO);  
  • Protected Geographical Indications (PGI); and  
  • Traditional Specialities Guaranteed (TSG).  

For a detailed overview of the EU’s system of GI protection, please consult the dedicated page on the European Commission’s Directorate-General for Agriculture and Rural Development.