Creative Commons

This dissertation was written as part of the LLM in “Transnational and European Commercial Law, Arbitration, Mediation and Energy Law” at the International Hellenic Uni versity with the aim to explain the international legislative framework for geographical indications and designations of origin a nd a potential full harmonization on this field via a revision of TRIPS. It starts with the terminology used and how incorporated in international legislative instruments so as to become a distinct IP right. It follows with the nature of such indications a s signs of authentic and quality products with high rewards to producers and consumers as the key benefit but also the reason of the deep conflict between traditional production countries of continental Europe and industrial production countries of New wor ld. The different philosophy in their legal systems led to a deadlock in negotiations, which resulted in a political compromise and unjustified two - tier system of protection of GIs in TRIPS agreement. However, after scrutinizing the two conflicting models used for GI protection by the EU and USA, this work concludes that both jurisdictions seem to agree impliedly and have already harmonized their basic principles by treating GIs as a protective “device” encompassing IP collective rights with unfair competit ion. Therefore an extension of the higher protection reserved for wines and spirits only to all goods, including foods, is a feasible solution and opportunity, given that mostly famous GI - denominated products are foods. Since GIs is a powerful tool of uniq ue competitive advantage as the unique reflection of people and its terroir with multiple benefits for localities in a globalised free - trade economy, the fear of monopolization of the market by the EU seems exaggerated before the threat of mass - homogenous products without culture identity and exclusive control of private firms