Geographical Indication Definition

Geographical indications (GIs) are signs (most usually proper names) which identify a good as originating in the territory of a particular country, or a region or locality in that country, where a given quality, reputation or other characteristic of the good is essentially attributable to its geographical origin. It is a separate type of intellectual property.Geographic indications are registered as a name of origin or geographic indication according to the characteristics. There are two terms in the Law under the concept of geographical indication;

• Protected Designation of Origin (Menşe Adı): The names that identify products which originate from a locality, region, or, in exceptional cases, a country, with designated geographical boundaries; that derive their entire or principal characteristics from the natural or human factors exclusively attributed to this geographical area where their production, processing and all other operations take place, are called appellation of origin. Some examples are Finike orange, Malatya apricot, and Aydın fig. Such products cannot be produced outside their respective regions, because the products acquire their characteristics only in the region they are produced.
• Protected Geographical Indication (Mahreç Adı): The names identifying products which originate from a locality, region, or, in exceptional cases, a country with designated geographical boundaries; that is associated with this region due to an apparent characteristics, its reputation or other features; where at least one of the steps from production, processing other operations take place within the boundaries of the designated geographical area, are designation of origin. Some examples are Antep baklava and Hereke silk carpet.
• Traditional Speciality Guaranteed (Geleneksel Ürün Adı): Geographical indication is the sign indicating a product that has become associated with a locality, area, region or country where it originates due to an apparent characteristic, its reputation or other features. Geographical indications shall be registered as appellation of origin or designation of origin according to the features set out below:

(1) Names that are traditionally used to designate products which fulfil the conditions stated in the first paragraph of this Article, which are used in daily language and do not contain a geographical name may also be considered as appellation of origin or designation of origin even if those names do not include a geographical name.

(2) Names that are not considered as appellation of origin or designation of origin but are proven to have been traditionally used in the relevant market for at least thirty years to desribe the product and fulfil at least one of the following conditions, shall be identified as traditional speciality guaranteed:

a) Originating from traditional method of production or processing or traditional composition.

b) Produced with traditional raw material or ingredients.