Evans, Gail Elizabeth --- "The simplification and codification of European legislation for the protection of geographical indications" [2013] ELECD 207; in Geiger, Christophe (ed), "Constructing European Intellectual Property" (Edward Elgar Publishing, 2013) 177

Book Title: Constructing European Intellectual Property

Editor(s): Geiger, Christophe

Publisher: Edward Elgar Publishing

ISBN (hard cover): 9781781001639

Section: Chapter 8

Section Title: The simplification and codification of European legislation for the protection of geographical indications

Author(s): Evans, Gail Elizabeth

Number of pages: 36

Abstract/Description:

From the outset, the legislative rationale for the Community-wide protection of geographical indications (GI) was based upon the need to simplify the diversity of national laws protecting the various kinds of designations for agricultural products. In 1992 Regulation 2081 On the Protection of Geographical Indications and Designations of Origin for Agricultural Products and Foodstuffs (GI Regulation) was enacted on the basis that codification would promote fair competition between producers and enhance consumer perceptions of product authenticity. The Regulation created a sui generis system of registration characterized by two of indications of source, Protected Designations of Origin (PDO) and Protected Geographical Indications (PGI), the PDO being distinguished from the PGI by the need for a stronger link between the product and the place of production. In coverage, the range of agricultural products permitted was reasonably broad, but applications in respect of foods were restricted to basic items such as meat, fish and dairy products.