Philosophical Justifications of Geographical Indications
A Geographical Indication (GI) 1 is a notice of a specific product having been produced in a particular place. 2 Just as a Trademark (TM) they are indications as to source. GIs are in relation to goods originated or manufactured in a said territory where a given quality-reputation or other characteristic of such goods is attributable; this quality may be attributable to the specific environmental conditions 3 , the processes of manufacture, or for that matter the traditional knowledge that has developed over a massive number of experiential years. 4 Geographical indications are understood by consumers to denote the origin and the quality of products. Many of them have acquired valuable reputations which, if not adequately protected, may be misrepresented by dishonest commercial operators. False use of geographical indications by unauthorized parties is detrimental to consumers and legitimate producers. The former are deceived and led into believing to buy a genuine product wit...