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ARTICLE · 04 MARCH 2024

Understanding Geographical Indications: Use And Protection For Food Products

Gowling WLG
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A geographical indication (or "GI") is a type of intellectual property protected by the WTO Agreement on Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS)...

CanadaIntellectual Property
Paula Clancy
Paula Clancy
Monique M. Couture
Monique M. Couture
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A geographical indication (or "GI") is a type of intellectual property protected by the WTO Agreement on Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS), as well as Canadian trademark law. GIs are akin to trademarks in that they help consumers identify and differentiate the source of products.

However, GIs are an especially valuable branding tool which can greatly enhance the exclusivity and reputation of a product. GIs also assist with product recognition and export opportunities. Specifically, a GI is a name or description that identifies wines, spirits agricultural products and food products originating in a given place. The GI communicates information about the quality, reputation or other characteristic that clearly links a product with its original place of production.

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