Geographic Indications And Consumer Goods

A geographical indication (GI) is a type of intellectual property right used to protect qualities or characteristics of products that denote a specific geographical origin. A number of well-known examples exist within the food and drink space: Scotch whisky, Stilton cheese and Melton Mowbray pork pies are all examples of GIs from the UK.

The majority of GIs are owned by collectives or federations: a group of individuals or companies that define the standards for goods bearing their GI and take on responsibility for enforcement.

All GIs which were registered under European Union GI regimes prior to the UK's withdrawal from the EU (Brexit) continue to have protection under both the UK and EU GI schemes. Since Brexit, the UK operates a twofold approach to protection of new GIs. In England, Wales and Scotland, it is possible to register a GI with the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra). In Northern Ireland, GIs are registered at the EUIPO, with