Geographical indication is a quality sign that shows and guarantees the origin of the product, its characteristic features and the connection between the said characteristic features of the product and the geographical area for consumers. With geographical indication registration, the protection of products that have gained a certain reputation due to their quality, tradition, raw materials obtained from the region and local qualities is ensured.
Designation of Origin
If all or essential characteristics of a product originate from natural and human elements belonging to a certain geographical area, geographical indications in this case are called ‘designation of origin’. The production, processing and other operations of the product must all take place within the boundaries of the specified geographical area. In this framework, geographical indications registered as designations of origin have very strong ties with the region they originate from.
Indication of Origin
Geographical indications which are identified with a specific geographical area in terms of a distinctive quality, reputation or other characteristics, and where at least one of the production, processing or other processes must take place within the specified geographical area are called ‘geographical indications’. When a product, one of the raw material or one of the production and processing stages of which takes place in the region, is registered as a trade mark, the other production and processing stages can be carried out outside the region of origin.
Traditional Product Name
Names that are proven to have been traditionally used for at least thirty years to describe a product in the relevant market, which are not covered by the designation of origin or designation of origin, are defined as traditional product names if they fulfil at least one of the following conditions
- Originating from traditional production or processing method or traditional composition.
- It is produced from traditional raw materials or materials.