Promoting sustainability through the registration of geographical indications

FAO

Promoting sustainability through the registration of geographical indications

Guidelines for public authorities to examine applications

Year of publication 2023

Place of publication Rome, Italy ;

Pages 68 p.

Author FAO

Publisher FAO ;

Product type Book (stand-alone)

ISBN 978-92-5-137649-2

Full item page

Synopsis (short abstract) A geographical indication (GI) is a sign used on products that have a specific geographical origin and possess characteristics or a reputation that are intrinsic to that origin. GIs can be registered as intellectual property rights (IPR) to ensure their protection. In countries where GIs are recognized under a public framework, public authorities can play an important role in the creation of favourable conditions for GIs to contribute to sustainable development and sustainable food systems. In particular, public authorities in charge of GI rights have an important responsibility when examining applications for protection, and the registration should ensure that GIs can function well. The examination of applications not only serves to verify the legitimacy of the GI as an IPR in terms of the link to the origin, but can also influence the GI system’s effectiveness and sustainability performance, in relation with key factors highlighted in the literature such as the clear definition of the specific quality linked to the geographical origin, the local governance, the appropriate marketing strategy. The objective of these guidelines is to provide guidance to public authorities and experts that examine GI applications. These guidelines provide examples and recommendations related to the procedures for the examination of GI requests. They focus on the two types of criteria for the registration: 1) the legal criteria that determine the admissibility for registration (link to origin) and 2) additional criteria that can be considered to help improve the GI system’s sustainability. Finally, the guidelines offer a list of questions to guide examiners along the examination process.

Cite this content as:

FAO. 2023. Promoting sustainability through the registration of geographical indications – Guidelines for public authorities to examine applications. Rome.

https://doi.org/10.4060/cc4358en

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Language English

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