Geographical Indications to Protect IP: Overcoming Challenges in Registering and Enforcing GIs

GIs identify a product as coming from a particular region that is well known for the high quality of that product. GIs are source identifiers and, like trademarks, add value and IP protection. In the U.S. GIs can be protected as trademarks. The best known example of a GI is Champagne. Other examples are Vidalia onions and Florida oranges.

GIs are not limited to the U.S. Many EU member states, including Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Italy, Spain and Sweden, are subject to regulations that protect registered GI protection to agricultural products, foodstuffs and alcoholic beverages. The European Commission maintains the GI register. Many other countries, such as Argentina, Brazil, Chile, China, Croatia, Egypt, Indonesia, Switzerland, and Venezuela also have registration systems for GIs.

IP owners should understand both domestic and foreign regimes of GI protection to leverage the increased value stemming from GIs to their goods in the U.S. and abroad.

Listen as our authoritative panel of IP attorneys examines the framework for protection of GIs in the U.S. and the EU. The panel will discuss the challenges in registering and enforcing GIs and will offer guidance on overcoming registration and enforcement challenges to protect GIs and the brands.

1. Framework for protection of GIs in the U.S. and the EU
2. Registering GIs
3. Enforcing GIs
4. Best practices to protect GIs and the brands

The panel will review these and other high profile issues:

• What is the framework under which GIs can be registered in the U.S.? in the EU?
• What challenges do brand owners face in registering GIs and in enforcing them?
• What steps should IP counsel take to protect brands leveraging GI protection?