Introduction - A worldwide perspective of geographical indications in a time of changes:crossed views between researchers, policy makers and practitioners

Abstract

Geographical indications (GIs) are signs used to designate products having a specific geographical origin and possessing qualities or a reputation that are due to that origin. Actually, the world's food and artisanal heritage encompasses a multitude of products linked to their origin that rely on the knowledge, skills, practices and traditions developed collectively by local producers over time and transmitted across generations. GIs are an intellectual property right granting exclusive right to use the name that can particularly benefit local producers, and particularly smallholders, and be therefore a tool to preserve and promote origin