Place-Based Intellectual Property Strategies for Traditional and Local Agricultural Products: Acting Locally to Participate Globally in a Rights-Based Approach

Abstract

The article focuses on the use of geographical indications (GIs) rights. It argues that GIs are forms of intellectual property rights to agricultural and other products that have distinct quality, characteristics on account of natural factors in a location. It is argued that the complimentary use of GIs with fair trade and environmental labelling allows agricultural producers in developing countries and indigenous and local communities (ILC) to establish intellectual property rights over their resources.

Keywords: geographical indications, traditional knowledge, indigenous peoples and local communities, agricultural producers, fair trade labelling, environmental certification, differentiation schemes