Silviya Todorova
University of National and World Economy
https://doi.org/10.53656/str2025-1s-14-era
Abstract. Geographical indications (GIs) are a key part of maintaining high food quality and standards and ensuring that the cultural, gastronomic, and local heritage is preserved and certified as authentic across the European Union (EU) and worldwide. The article aims to look at opportunities and challenges at the forefront of geographical indications – the significant reform of GIs for wine, spirit drinks, and agricultural products, namely the brand-new Regulation (EU) 2024/1143 of the European Parliament and the Council.
In the new Regulation, emphasis is placed on the IP protection that regulates production and trade in all their aspects – environmental, social, and economic. Consideration is given to criteria for better legal protection against domain names and on the Internet and domain name dispute resolution. The new Regulation is intended to regulate the conditions under which the reference to a geographical indication can be used commercially when an ingredient is used on the product label. Another new obligation is to indicate the producer in labeling, the use of personal data in applications, and the role of producer groups as managing bodies for geographical indications.
The article aims to address the latest developments, challenges, and opportunities in the field of geographical indications in the European Union (EU). Moreover, comprehensive research is performed on registered GIs in the EU for wine, spirits, and food. The aim of the research is to analyze the applicants’ activity and the registered GIs in the European Union to show trends and developments in the field.
Keywords: geographical indications, intellectual property protection, EU Regulation, gastronomic heritage
