The Protection Of Geographical Indications: Law and Practice

‘Michael Blakeney’s book is an excellent guide to the dizzying complexity of protecting geography-based brands in the EU. Call them appellations, designations of origin, or GIs, any practitioner in this area of law will want Blakeney's book in his or her library.’
– Justin Hughes, Loyola Law School, US

‘The Protection Of Geographical Indications offers a much-needed and comprehensive analysis of GIs and looks, in particular, at their legal treatment in the international context, under European laws, and in the United Kingdom. In this context, the author offers a detailed discussion of the history of GI protection along with a comprehensive breakdown of the current issues and possible future developments, including with respect to the enforcement of GI protection. This detailed analysis makes this book a complete and well-rounded resource for the study of GIs in a contemporary and comparative context, and offers important insights into this complex topic both for specialists and novices. The book also masterfully blends theoretical analysis and practical considerations on the topic. The author has to be commended for conceiving this well-designed and thorough book on a topic whose importance is destined to continue to grow in future years.’ 
– Irene Calboli, Marquette University Law School and National University of Singapore

Key features of this comprehensive book include:

• First volume to examine the 2012 European regulation on quality schemes for agricultural products and foodstuffs
• Scrutinises the proposed amendments to the Community Trade Marks Regulation on certification marks 
• Uniquely considers the 2013 Customs Regulation.
• Offers the most up to date Practitioner book that considers the 2012 changes to geographical indications law.

The Protection Of Geographical Indications examines from a practitioner's perspective the European laws concerning the protection of geographical indications and geographical trade marks. The book expertly annotates the 2012 European regulation on quality schemes for agricultural products and foodstuffs, the proposed amendments to the Community Trade Marks Regulation on certification marks and the new Customs Regulation which deals with the counterfeiting of geographical indications.

Offering a clear and concise analysis of the updates to European laws that are concerned with geographical indications, this detailed discussion will be an important resource for IP practitioners at all levels. Students and academics concerned with IP law as well as agricultural law and policy, and law and development, will also find much of value in this authorative volume.