NOVA PRAVILA ZAŠTITE OZNAKA GEOGRAFSKOG POREKLA U EVROPSKOJ UNIJI

Abstract

Geographical indications and designations of origin are an important part of European culture and economy. They reflect the diversity of regions in EU countries and regions and contribute to their development. The EU therefore created a comprehensive system for the protection of geographical indications and designations of origin. Geographical indications and indications of origin are names of places, areas, territories or countries used in trade to identify the geographical origin of goods or services. They therefore serve to individualize the goods in circulation by specifically indicating the geographical origin. Geographical indications and designations of origin offer a number of benefits for producers, consumers and the economy. For producers, they can provide a competitive advantage as they can differentiate themselves from other producers who do not use GIs. For consumers, designations of geographical origin represent a guarantee of product quality and origin. For the economy, GIs can contribute to regional and agricultural development. They can help create jobs, increase producer income and strengthen the regional economy. In the European Union, for the first time, the protection of indications of geographical origin of craft and industrial products was introduced. In addition, a new regulation was adopted that uniquely regulates the protection of designations of geographical origin for wine, strong alcoholic beverages and agricultural products. In the paper, the author will point out the most important provisions of Regulation 2024/1143 and Regulation 2023/2411.