International Journal of Law

A geographical indication is a name or sign used on certain products which corresponds to a specific geographical location or origin. The use of a geographical indication may act as a certification that the product possesses certain qualities or enjoys a certain reputation due to its geographical origin. Geographical indications are generally traditional products produced by rural communities from generations that have gained reputation for their specific qualities. When products with geographical indications acquire a reputation, some other products may try to pass off themselves as the original geographical indication products. This kind of competition is often seen as unfair as it may discourage traditional producers as well as mislead consumers. Although there was no legal recognitions, geographical indications had earned global recognition even from the medieval and colonial period. The very legal concept of geographical indications as a form of Intellectual property can be traced from Paris convention for the protection of Industrial Property, 1883.