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ARTICLE · 05 JANUARY 2022

What's In A Name? Lots, If It's A Geographical Indication Of Origin!

A geographical indication of origin (GI) is a type of intellectual property defined in the Trademarks Act. GI refers to a name, sign or other indication used to identify a wine, spirit...

CanadaIntellectual Property

1. What is a geographical indication of origin?

A geographical indication of origin (GI) is a type of intellectual property defined in the Trademarks Act. GI refers to a name, sign or other indication used to identify a wine, spirit, agricultural or food product as originating in a country, territory, region, or locality that possesses a quality, reputation or other characteristic(s) attributable to that country, territory, region, or locality.

GIs provide a way for businesses to protect their geographically unique products. Think of Mexico's Tequila, France's Roquefort cheese, Italy's Parma ham, to name but a few.

In Canada, some notable GI's are Ontario Icewine and Canadian Whisky, both known for distinctive flavours attributable to their geographic provenance.

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