Some products are identified with the region where they are produced and are recognized as such. These products need to receive geographical indications in order to protect their assets and all rights for many years. By applying for geographical indication registration, these signs can be obtained.
Geographical indications are also extremely important, especially in terms of promoting regional products internationally. So, what is geographical indication registration and how is it obtained? In the continuation of our article, we will explain the whole process step by step by giving the answers to these questions.
A geographical indication is a registration document that shows the source of a product, its characteristic features and the connection between the geographical area in which it is produced and which is protected. Dec. With the geographical indication registration, the definition of the product, its quality, traditional structure, raw materials obtained from the region and the protection of products that have gained reputation depending on all local qualities are ensured.
All the rules related to geographical indication registration have been determined by the Industrial Property Law No. 6769. According to Article 34 of this law, the following statements are given in summary;
Geographical Indication
It is the name given to the sign showing the product that has a distinct quality in the product, has a reputation, or is identified with a region, area, region, or country in terms of its characteristics. Geographical indications are registered as the name of origin or the sign of mahreç. Agriculture, mining, food, handicrafts and industrial products can be the subject of geographical indications.
Name of Origin
The case when a product is identified with a geographical area with certain basic qualities and originates from human elements belonging to this area is called the name of origin. The production, processing and all other operations of the product must be carried out within the boundaries of the designated geographical area. From this point of view, the geographical indications expressed as the name of origin have very strong ties with their regions.
Mahreç Sign
In products that are identified with a geographical area due to their distinct reputation, quality and other characteristics; production, processing and at least one of the other operations must take place within the boundaries of a designated geographical area, geographical indications are called mahreç signs.
If the raw material or one of the production and processing stages takes place in the region, the product registered with the mahreç mark can be processed at other stages and other operations can also take place outside the region.
Who can have a geographical indication registration and how to get a registration certificate questions are often asked by many people. In this part of our article, we will answer questions about the geographical indication registration certificate.
First of all, it should be investigated whether the name of origin related to the product or whether an application should be made to the mahreç mark. After that, the necessary documents are prepared and a registration application is made to the Turkish Patent and Trademark Authority to obtain the geographical indication of the product.
In order for a product to receive a geographical indication registration, applicants must prepare the following documents;
Application form
Explanation of which of the geographical origin or intimate signs of the request made was made
Documents proving the conformity of the product
Information and documents about the description of the product and the production method
Information about the geographical area
Documents that reveal the relationship between the production methods of the product and the geographical area
Documents explaining the historical process related to the production of the product
Commitments related to audit processes
Label, symbol and packaging-like documents that will determine the way the geographical indication is used
There are some factors related to geographical indication registration that should be considered and should be known. Before applying for the geographical indication registration, you should know that you will not be able to obtain an individual right with this registration. All rights obtained as a result of the registration application are the common rights of all manufacturers in the region where that product is produced.
Within this framework, the application for geographical indication registration should be carried out by producer groups, authorized associations, foundations and related public organizations. The answer to the question of who can have geographical indication registration is as follows.
Technical information must be proved during the application stage to be made to the Turkish Patent and Trademark Authority. For this reason, an examination may be requested from the relevant public organization, experts or universities. The entire cost of this examination requested by the institution is paid by the applicant.
In terms of handicrafts, examples of Bursa knife, Nallıhan needle embroidery, Edirne mis fruit soap can be given. In the category of agricultural products, products such as Decoction nuts, Taşköprü garlic, Kars honey are among the examples. On the other hand, there is a very rich variety in terms of food varieties. Many products from Antep pods, Bursa chestnut sugar, Maraş tarhana, Edirne pan liver are included in this category.
In addition to these, Sivas kangali, Kars Turkish shepherd dog also has geographical indication registration in the animal category.
You can also get in touch with Alkanlar Patent immediately to get geographical indication registration of local products in your region, get detailed information about the application process, and enjoy professional services.
