Protected destinations of origin & Geographical indications
Protected designations of origin (PDOs) and protected geographical indications (GIs) are official quality marks guaranteeing the geographical origin and certain characteristics of a product.
Their protection rests on a specific legal regime, distinct from trademark law, which imposes particular obligations on operators and exposes them to administrative inspections and disputes.
A coordinated approach across sector regulation, intellectual property and commercial communication is essential to secure the exploitation and promotion of these products.
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Your questions
Can I use a geographical reference in my trademark or on my labeling?
What can I do if a competitor evokes or imitates a designation?
How do I communicate about a product's origin without breaching the regulations?
How do I protect a designation against use online or abroad?
What are the risks attached to advertising a wine or a spirit?
How do PDO/GIs, trademarks and commercial communication fit together?
How should I respond to a challenge from the DGCCRF or the INAO?
You may be...
A wine producer or an estate
You may be...
A wine and spirits merchant or house
You may be...
A producer group or a protection and management body (ODG)
You may be...
A cooperative or a trade organization
You may be...
A company marketing food products under a designation of origin
How the firm can help
Advisory
Strategy and compliance
— Setting up a suitable protection strategy (trademarks, copyright, designs, commercial communication)
— Coordinating protected designations, trademarks and trade names
— Reviewing communication materials and labeling
— Advice on advertising for alcoholic beverages (Loi Évin)
Litigation
— Pre-litigation management: risk analysis, cease-and-desist letters, support in negotiating a settlement
— Assistance with administrative proceedings and inspections (DGCCRF, INAO, trade bodies)
— Court proceedings: actions to stop infringement of designations of origin or geographical indications, defense in advertising and communication matters (Loi Évin), unfair competition and free-riding claims (parasitisme), unfair commercial practices
— Amicable and court-appointed expert proceedings
— Mediation, conciliation and settlement negotiations
Les autres expertises du cabinet
CLIENT TESTIMONIALS
PHOTOGRAPHER
“My quotes and contracts contained clauses that did not fit my business. Inès reworked all of it. Simple, clear exchanges. I now have tailor-made documentation that works for every type of client. She also helped me on tender responses, which allowed me to frame the IP aspects properly and win the work.”
ARCHITECT FIRM
“The firm overhauled all of my contractual documentation, taking into account the diversity of my projects and my clients. Rigorous work, delivered efficiently, and real peace of mind at the end of it.”
WINE PRODUCER
“Beyond handling the disputes, the firm helped us rethink our entire approach to intellectual property (ownership, asset valuation, internal processes). Comprehensive, rigorous support, always adapted to the realities of our business.”
FOOD & BEVERAGE SECTOR
“From the very launch of our business, we were supported on our brand strategy and the protection of our creations. Responsiveness, efficiency, and advice always tailored to our concrete challenges. A trusted point of contact, whom we recommend without hesitation.”
COSMETICS BRAND
“We were supported through complex proceedings before the General Court of the European Union, then before the Paris Judicial Court. At every stage, we benefited from solid analysis and a clear strategy.”
DESIGNER
“Inès handles all of my designs, from protection through to license agreements, and steps in as soon as a copy appears on the market. Knowing that this is taken care of on an ongoing basis lets me focus on my work.”
CLIENT TESTIMONIALS
PHOTOGRAPHER
“My quotes and contracts contained clauses that did not fit my business. Inès reworked all of it. Simple, clear exchanges. I now have tailor-made documentation that works for every type of client. She also helped me on tender responses, which allowed me to frame the IP aspects properly and win the work.”
Architecture FIRM
“The firm overhauled all of my contractual documentation, taking into account the diversity of my projects and my clients. Rigorous work, delivered efficiently, and real peace of mind at the end of it.”
WINE PRODUCER
“Beyond handling the disputes, the firm helped us rethink our entire approach to intellectual property (ownership, asset valuation, internal processes). Comprehensive, rigorous support, always adapted to the realities of our business.”
FOOD & BEVERAGE SECTOR
“From the very launch of our business, we were supported on our brand strategy and the protection of our creations. Responsiveness, efficiency, and advice always tailored to our concrete challenges. A trusted point of contact, whom we recommend without hesitation.”
COSMETICS BRAND
“We were supported through complex proceedings before the General Court of the European Union, then before the Paris Judicial Court. At every stage, we benefited from solid analysis and a clear strategy.”
DESIGNER
“Inès handles all of my designs, from protection through to license agreements, and steps in as soon as a copy appears on the market. Knowing that this is taken care of on an ongoing basis lets me focus on my work.”
