The main function of Geographical Indications (GI) is to indicate an umbilical link between the characteristics, quality, or reputation of products and their territory of origin and endemic know-how. GIs are valuable attributes that increase the competitiveness and sustainability of products in the global market, combat counterfeiting, generate added value and bring dynamism to their territories of origin.

Here are some key indicators that help explain the current state of the GI product sector:

1. There are more than 65 000 GIs in the world (10% growth in the last 3 years) - Data compiled by the WIPO (World Intellectual Property Organization) reveal that the country with the most registered GIs is China (7 834) followed by the European Union, which in the 27 member states has 4 794 GIs.
2. 56.6% of GIs are wines and spirits - GIs are typically applied to agricultural and food products, wine and spirits, handicrafts, and other industrial products. In the last 3 years, the trend has been an increase in the weight of agricultural products and foodstuffs (+21%).
3. Consumers accept higher values for GI products - GIs are an extrinsic factor that positively influences buyers' perception of quality assurance and product traceability.

Outlook

Protection through GI is a recent area of international law. However, it is growing and each GI benefits thousands of producers and buyers. GIs are a type of Industrial Property protection and a tool to preserve cultural heritage, develop territories, and bring to the global market the quality and authenticity that can only be obtained at the origin.