What Is a Geographical Indication

A geographical indication is a name or sign identifying a product that has become identical, through its distinctive quality, reputation, or other traits, with a locality, area, region, or nation of origin. Geographical indications are the marks given to natural products, minerals, agricultural products, handicrafts, and industrial products that stand out for the quality that sets them apart and that is tied to the region where they are produced.

A few examples help: Sile cloth, Ezine cheese, Aegean cotton, Kayseri pastirma, Antep pistachios, Çorum roasted chickpeas, and so on.

Designation of Origin: when the production, processing, and all other operations of the product under this protected indication have to take place within the defined geographical region, the mark is called a designation of origin. A designation of origin requires that the product in its entirety be produced at the defined location.

Indication of Source: when at least one of the production, processing, or other operations has to take place within the defined geographical region, the mark is called an indication of source. Provided at least one trait of the product comes from that locality, production outside the region is also possible. In that production, the specific local techniques have to be applied identically and the same product quality maintained.

Products cannot be produced outside the geographical region they belong to, because the product only acquires its traits when produced within its home area.

A geographical indication signals that certain qualities or traits of a product, tied to a locality or geography, come from that region and hold a level of recognition and quality with consumers. A product, kilim, stone, or handwork prepared with different materials from a region can differ from similar products made elsewhere. Using the region’s name on such products creates the perception that the product has achieved a certain level of quality. Consumers trust that regional name and may prefer products sold under it over alternatives.

The core aim of legally protecting geographical indications is to protect marks that indicate the origin of products. Those marks protect the quality and reputation of products that have become identical with a specific geographical region.

Geographical indication registration process: protection of geographical indications runs before TÜRKPATENT (the Turkish Patent and Trademark Office) under Decree Law No. 555.

Filing for geographical indications is done by producers of the product or by related public institutions through an application petition, with every step managed by Sistem Patent agents. Registered geographical indications are protected only in the country of filing. Protection in any other country requires a separate filing in that country.

What Sets Sistem Patent Apart

• Expert team: our experienced specialists support you professionally at every step.
• Full-scope consulting: we are by your side not only during the application but throughout the registration and protection process.
• Strong technology infrastructure: we use the latest tools to deliver fast, effective outcomes.
• Client focus: we shape tailored solutions for each client and keep satisfaction at the center.

Required Documents

• Identification of the applicant
• Name of the designation of origin or indication of source to be registered and the product name
• Description of the product: technical information and documents on its chemical, physical, microbiological, and similar traits
• Information and documents defining the geographical boundaries of the locality or region
• Detailed information on the supervision method
• Information explaining how the registered designation of origin or indication of source is used, including branding, marking, or labeling styles
• Proof of payment of the application fee

Opposition and registration process: the application is examined in form by TÜRKPATENT. It is published in the Official Gazette and in major national newspapers. Interested parties may file an opposition arguing against the registration within 6 months of publication in the Official Gazette. If no opposition is filed, the mark is finalized and entered in the geographical indication register.

Sistem Patent offers expert consulting and support in geographical indication registration. Registering a geographical indication protects the quality and authenticity of products, builds reliability with consumers, and raises the commercial value of the products.