Geographical indications in Europe

Within the European Union, there are various European Community (EC) Regulations (which have direct effect in the UK) that provide protection for geographical indications.

EC Regulation 2081/92 gives protection for designations of origin (PDO), protection for geographical indications (PGI), agricultural products and foodstuffs. A name cannot be registered for a PDO or a PGI if a similar trademark already exists. That is as long as the earlier mark might lead to confusion as to the identity of the product because of its reputation and renown or the length of time of use. The European Commission (EU)  provide a guide to the EU Protected Food Names.

For the protection of wine names, Council Regulation 1493/99 brings together a number of earlier Regulations and covers the protection of geographical indications and traditional terms.

Council Regulation 1576/89 sets out similar provisions for the protection of spirit names.

The protection provided by such Regulations has been extended beyond the EU by means of a number of bilateral agreements.