Certification and collective marks versus geographical indications in European Union and Italian law: Competition, cumulation or hybrid protection?

Znaki certyfikacyjne i wspólne a oznaczenia geograficzne w prawie Unii Europejskiej i we Włoszech: konkurencja, kumulacja czy hybryda ochrony?

The article examines the relationship between geographical indications and certification and collective marks under European Union law and within the Italian legal framework. Although both regimes aim to enhance consumer trust and safeguard product reputation, they are grounded in distinct legal concepts. Geographical indications function as instruments that link product quality, characteristics, or reputation to a specific geographical origin, whereas certification and collective marks rely primarily on quality standards established by the mark proprietor or an association of producers. The Italian case study illustrates how certification marks are sometimes used as quasi-geographical indications, particularly in relation to non-agricultural products such as traditional crafts. However, the coexistence of these systems may give rise to regulatory uncertainty, a risk of consumer confusion, and potential legal conflicts. The paper concludes that the future development of the legal framework should seek to reconcile the flexibility of trademark-based mechanisms with the institutional and collective character of the sui generis system of geographical indications.

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