The Protection of Geographical Indications

Law and Practice

埃尔加法律和知识产权Practice series

Michael Blakeney, Winthrop Professor, The University of Western Australia and Letizia Gianformaggio Chair in Law, University of Ferrara, Italy

Geographical indications, or marks designating a product’s place of origin, are of huge economic value, and the laws designed to police and protect such designations are increasingly important and under scrutiny. This book is one of the first to offer a comprehensive and detailed examination of the European laws concerning the protection of geographical indications, and the application of those laws. Systematic attention is paid to the categories of geographical indication, including chapters on agricultural products and foodstuffs, wines, and spirits. Consideration is also given to enforcement mechanisms and the influence of the relevant provisions of the TRIPS agreement.

‘Michael Blakeney’s book is an excellent guide to the dizzying complexity of protecting geography-based brands in the EU. Call them appellations, designations of origin, or GIs, any practitioner in this area of law will want Blakeney's book in his or her library.’
– Justin Hughes, Loyola Law School, US

‘The Protection Of Geographical Indications offers a much-needed and comprehensive analysis of GIs and looks, in particular, at their legal treatment in the international context, under European laws, and in the United Kingdom. In this context, the author offers a detailed discussion of the history of GI protection along with a comprehensive breakdown of the current issues and possible future developments, including with respect to the enforcement of GI protection. This detailed analysis makes this book a complete and well-rounded resource for the study of GIs in a contemporary and comparative context, and offers important insights into this complex topic both for specialists and novices. The book also masterfully blends theoretical analysis and practical considerations on the topic. The author has to be commended for conceiving this well-designed and thorough book on a topic whose importance is destined to continue to grow in future years.’
– Irene Calboli, Marquette University Law School and National University of Singapore