All agricultural products, handicrafts, natural products of a region, city or region have a natural product mark on each product that identifies with that region, and these marks are called geographical signs.
The geographical sign stands out with its specific features, and the names and signs that represent a product identified with the place where it stands out with its all features including its reputation and origin are called geographical signs. Any product that is unique or produced by a place may have gained a reputation for it. For this reason, when the natural product sign, that is, the geographical sign, is used on a product, it creates the perception that the product that purchases that product has different features than the others. In this way, consumers can buy other products safely when they hear the name of the product belonging to that region. In this context, geographical indications are a kind of assurance showing that traditional information is shaped, packaged and where the geographical source comes from.
Geographical indications are not limited to only geographical indications, but are divided into two groups as name of origin and origin. The natural product mark does not only cover agricultural products, but some products made by people use geographical signs. Natural products, agriculture, mining, handicrafts and industrial products are also included in the geographically marked product content. If we give an example of products marked with natural products; Turkish delight, Afyon cream, Hereke carpet, Pistachio, Van cat, Adana kebab, Çorum roasted chickpea and many other local products are offered for sale as geographically marked products.
Features a product must have in order to have a geographical indication
In order for a product to obtain geographical indication registration, the following must be:
- When the product name is said, there should be a product connotation among those who demanded it before. For example, Turkish delight is an internationally known geographically marked product known to everyone.
- The product sold for geographical indication registration should be separated in a unique form with different features compared to other similar product. For example, Çorum roasted chickpea is different from its roasted chickpea structure, freshness and taste.
- The raw material of the product and the process of processing the product should not be in a wide spread area.
- The product must pass through a special production phase and have different production processes. For example, the recently known siye wheat is different from other wheat by the production process, such as grinding the product from other wheat in stone mills.
What are the Purposes of a Product to be Geographically Marked?
- If a product is geographically marked, local producers are primarily supported. At the same time, geographical indication is important for the development and stay of rural areas.
- Geographical indication of products contributes to the preservation of cultural values in order to introduce the traditional cultural elements and norms that our ancestors inherited to us and to make them forget.
- As it is known, product imitation is a common situation among manufacturers and sellers. For this reason, it is necessary to use the geographical sign in order to combat counterfeiting and to protect the cultivated product.
- At the same time, having a geographical indication on the product in order to promote the country and contribute to tourism enables the person who purchases the product to announce the product in his country.
What is the Origin Name?
If the production, processing, and all other operations of the product, which ensures the protection of the geographical sign, are forced to pass in a geographical area with a defined boundary, the geographical signs in this case are called "origin name".
What is the Sign of Mahree?
If at least one of the product's production, processing process and other processes for the product has to be made in the geographical region whose boundaries have been determined, the geographical signs in this case are called as "marks".
