Mapping the terroir: introducing geographical indications and wine

The World Trade Organization (WTO) Agreement on Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS Agreement) defines a ‘geographical indication’ (GI) as an indication used on a product that originates from a particular geographical area ‘where a given quality, reputation or other characteristic of the good is essentially attributable to its geographical origin’. 1 A GI holder has the right to prevent its use on products that do not originate from the relevant geographical area and conform to relevant production requirements.

The TRIPS Agreement does not prescribe the manner in which WTO members must implement their obligations in domestic law.