The protection of geographical indications: France, European Union, United States | Caroline Le Goffic

"Champagne", "Parma ham" or "Florida oranges" are just a few examples, among many others, of the use of place names to designate globally renowned products. These designations constitute geographical indications, meaning signs identifying products originating from places to which qualities, reputations, or characteristics of said products can be attributed. How does the law organize the protection of these signs, a protection justified by the economic value attached to them as well as the information they provide to consumers? What legal instruments are used to achieve this objective? What obstacles are encountered in implementing protection at the international level? Through a comparative study of geographical indication regimes in France, Europe, and the United States, this book aims to provide clear answers to these questions. The significant heterogeneity in conceptions regarding geographical indications helps to understand the choice of the preferred protection instrument in Europe (designation of origin) and in the United States (collective trademark). Faced with this often conflicting diversity, the book aims to develop a unified conception of geographical indications, with a view to constructing an international protection model reconciling the different approaches. Solutions are thus proposed to address the difficulties encountered in implementing effective protection at the international level.