Geographical Indications Law in Saint Pierre and Miquelon (France)
Here is an overview of Geographical Indications (GI) law in Saint Pierre and Miquelon (France):
🇫🇷 Geographical Indications Law in Saint Pierre and Miquelon
1. Territorial and Legal Context
Saint Pierre and Miquelon is a French overseas collectivity located near Canada.
As such, it falls under French national law and, to some extent, European Union (EU) intellectual property rules.
However, unlike overseas departments (e.g., Guadeloupe), Saint Pierre and Miquelon is not part of the EU customs territory, but France’s laws, including IP laws, still apply.
2. Applicable Legal Framework
Geographical Indications in Saint Pierre and Miquelon are protected under:
French Intellectual Property Code (Code de la propriété intellectuelle):
Protects Appellation d'Origine Contrôlée (AOC)
Indication Géographique Protégée (IGP) – French implementation of EU PGIs
Indication Géographique (IG) for non-agricultural products (Law of 17 March 2014, known as the "loi Hamon")
Relevant EU regulations may influence GI protection indirectly, especially where products are exported to or registered within the EU.
3. Types of Protection
Appellations of Origin (AOC)
Protected Geographical Indications (PGI / IGP)
Geographical Indications (IG) for artisanal and industrial products (since 2014)
These offer protection for:
Wines, spirits, and agricultural products (PDO/PGI)
Non-agricultural goods (like crafts or seafood tools)
4. Registration Process
Applications are filed through INAO (Institut National de l’Origine et de la Qualité) for agricultural products.
For industrial and artisanal GIs, applications go through the INPI (Institut National de la Propriété Industrielle).
Process:
Define geographical area and product specifications
Provide evidence of the product’s link to origin
Examination and public opposition period
Approval and registration in national GI register
5. Rights and Enforcement
Exclusive use of the GI by authorized producers in the defined region
Prohibition against misuse, imitation, or false use
Enforcement via:
French civil and administrative courts
Customs (for import/export issues)
Criminal sanctions for counterfeit use
6. Examples and Potential GIs
Saint Pierre and Miquelon could seek GI protection for:
Local seafood (e.g., cod or scallops)
Artisan products related to maritime heritage
Salted fish or preserved seafood traditions
While no currently registered GIs are specific to the territory, French law allows such registration if local producers apply.
Summary Table
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Governing Law | French IP Code; Law No. 2014-344 (for non-agricultural GIs) |
| Jurisdiction | French overseas collectivity (non-EU territory) |
| Protection Types | AOC, PGI (IGP), IG (for artisanal/industrial products) |
| Authorities | INAO (agricultural), INPI (non-agricultural) |
| Duration | 10 years, renewable |
| Enforcement | Civil, criminal, and customs remedies |
| International Scope | Recognized within France and potentially EU markets |
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