If you manufacture or produce goods that have characteristic qualities related to a specific geographical region, it is eligible for Geographical Indication (GI) Protection. This is a sign that the product originates in a specific place and has a reputation based on the place of origin. Once a product has GI status, it cannot be produced by a third party anywhere else in the world. However, it does not stop your competition from using the same techniques of production to make similar products.
GI status is typically given to agricultural products, wines and spirits, handicrafts and industrial products. Products with Geographical Indications are protected in different ways by different countries and the protection is usually not subject to a specific validity period. This means that unless the registration is cancelled for some reason, the GI status will remain valid indefinitely. Geographical indication product registered as collective or certification marks are usually protected for ten-years at a stretch after which their status can be renewed.
Geographical Indications are not the same as trademarks. Unlike trademarked products, products with GI status can be manufactured and marketed by anyone as long as the specified standards and link to the place of origin is maintained.