Where it comes from is part of the product.

A geographical indication identifies a good as originating in a particular region or locality where a given quality, reputation or other characteristic of that good is essentially attributable to its origin. Coffee, cocoa, tea, pepper, shea, honey, textiles and craft all sit naturally in this space.

Unlike a trademark, a geographical indication is not owned by a single company. It is held collectively — usually by a producer group or association — and it is governed by a specification setting out where the product may be made, how, and to what standard.

COEUR IP advises producer groups, cooperatives, exporters and public bodies across Africa on whether a product qualifies, how to organise the group that will hold the right, how to draft the specification, and how to secure and defend protection. Where a collective or certification mark is the better route, we say so.

• Eligibility & strategy — Assessing whether a product qualifies, and which route protects it best.
• Producer groups — Structuring the association or cooperative that will hold the right.
• Specifications — Drafting the code of practice defining area, method and quality.
• Registration — Filing and prosecuting geographical indication applications.
• Collective & certification marks — The trademark route, where it fits the product better.
• Enforcement — Acting against misuse, imitation and false indications of origin.