A recent decision of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth
Circuit affirming the generic nature of the geographic indication
of "Gruyere" relating to cheese has become a source of
severe indigestion for gastronomes, food aficionados and lovers of
fine wines, spirits and luxurious delicacies and foodstuffs. This
is especially so for those who rely on the Protected Designation of
Origin (PDO) product designation to assist them in protecting their
refined palettes from geographical counterfeits. More on the
cheesier aspects of this subject later on.
PDO's provide legal, almost trademark – like,
protection to certain exclusive products, spirits and alcoholic
beverages under the legislation of certain countries. They can
apply to both foodstuffs and alcoholic beverages, each uniquely
produced in a specific place, region or country, and whose given
quality, reputation or other characteristics are essentially
attributable to its geographical origin, provided that
