Download This PaperBeyond Economic Considerations: (Re)Conceptualizing Geographical Indications for Protecting Traditional Agricultural Products
(2015) 46:6 International Review of Intellectual Property and Competition Law 682-706
25 Pages Posted: 26 Sep 2015 Last revised: 27 Apr 2020
Date Written: September 24, 2015
Abstract
This article aims to expand on existing justifications for geographical indications (GIs) protection in a way that combines the economic and cultural dimensions of GIs-based proprietary claims in protecting traditional knowledge related resources. Conceptualized as tools for cultural protection in the economic milieu, it is argued that GIs can be seen as instruments that respond to challenges that indigenous and local communities face in agricultural production. These challenges include the loss of biological diversity, the challenges to food security and the threat of cultural homogenization. The article demonstrates the need for broader conceptualization of the role of GIs as instruments to pursue the goals of biodiversity, food security, and cultural identity.
Keywords: Geographical indications; Traditional knowledge; Biodiversity; Food security; Embeddedness
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