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Geographical indications (GIs) are legal instruments that identify the specific geographical origin for certain products, including agricultural products, ensuring that their unique features or reputation, intrinsically linked to that origin, are protected. For example, the appellation “Champagne” guarantees that any sparkling wine bearing that name originates from the Champagne region in France and follows specific production methods. GIs allow producers to ensure their rights and reputation are respected in the marketplace and prevent unfair market practices, such as imitation.
Products bearing geographical indications and the extent to which their name is given legal recognition can have a significant impact on international trade. In that regard, the enforcement and implementation of the European GI program has raised concerns within the U.S. agricultural and trade sectors, particularly regarding designation of origins and potential trade barriers for agricultural products, wines, and spirits.
This Virtual Resource Room serves as a comprehensive collection of information on geographical indications for agricultural products, wine, and spirit drinks. It also features resources related to the relevant laws and regulations governing GIs in the U.S. and Europe as well as governmental, and legal and industry publications.
This guide is intended to represent a collection of legal resources relating to geographical indications. While the Center for Agricultural and Shale Law makes every effort to maintain and update the content furnished in this resource room, no warranty or other guarantee is made regarding the timeliness or accuracy of any information provided.
The Center for Agricultural and Shale Law (CASL) wishes to acknowledge Dillon Lightfoot, a J.D. candidate at Penn State Law School, Class of 2025, and a research assistant at the Center for his invaluable work as one of the primary architects and researchers whose work is reflected in this collection of resources.
