What is the purpose of Geographical Indications (GIs)?

What is the purpose of Geographical Indications (GIs)?

GIs aim to protect the reputation of unique products geographically linked to a community/region, promote rural development, prevent consumers from being misled by non-genuine products and encourage innovation and sustainability in production methods.

Geographical Indications (GIs) aim to protect and promote unique products associated with a specific geographic region. GIs are used to identify and distinguish products that possess specific qualities, reputation, or other characteristics that are essentially attributable to the place of origin. The GI system provides legal protection for such products by prohibiting unauthorized use of the product name, logo or other identifying features by producers outside of the region.

Some of the primary goals of GIs are:

Protecting consumers: By providing a guarantee of quality, authenticity, and origin, GIs help consumers to make informed choices and avoid misrepresentation or fraud. Consumers can rely on the GI mark to identify and purchase products that meet certain quality and safety standards.

Promoting local products and economies: GIs can help to promote local products and economies by highlighting the unique characteristics and values associated with specific regions. GIs can provide a source of income for local communities and preserve traditional knowledge and practices.

Encouraging innovation and sustainability: GIs can promote innovation and sustainability by encouraging the use of traditional and sustainable production methods, supporting local biodiversity and natural resources, and incentivizing research and development of new products or practices that are adapted to the specific region.

In summary, GIs aims to protect and promote unique products associated with a specific geographic region, benefits producers, consumers, and local economies, and encourage innovation and sustainability in production methods.

Author: AITRC 2