Objectives of EU quality schemes
The European Union's quality policy aims to protect the names of specific products to promote their unique characteristics linked to geographical origin and traditional skills.
Such products can benefit from a “Geographical Indication”(GI) if they have a specific link to the place of production. The recognition “IG”It gives consumers confidence and enables them to distinguish quality products. At the same time, it helps producers to market their products more easily.
GI, Geographical Indications
Products that are under examination or have been granted “GI” recognition are listed in special Registers of Geographical Indications. These registers also include information on product specifications, essential documents containing the requirements and rules with which GI products must comply.
Like trademarks or patents, Geographical Indications are recognised as intellectual property rights, meaning that product names registered as GIs are legally protected against imitation and abuse within the EU and in third countries with which a specific protection agreement has been signed.