Geographical Indications Law in Wallis and Futuna (France)
Here’s an overview of the Geographical Indications (GI) Law in Wallis and Futuna:
🇫🇷 Geographical Indications Law in Wallis and Futuna
1. Legal and Political Status
Wallis and Futuna is a French overseas collectivity.
As such, it is subject to French law, including French intellectual property and GI laws.
French laws on Geographical Indications apply fully in Wallis and Futuna.
2. Legal Framework
France protects Geographical Indications through:
European Union law, especially Regulation (EU) No 1151/2012 on quality schemes for agricultural products and foodstuffs.
National laws implementing EU GI protection.
The Institut National de l’Origine et de la Qualité (INAO) is the main body responsible for managing GIs in France.
GI protection extends to all French territories, including overseas collectivities like Wallis and Futuna.
3. Definitions
GIs in France follow EU definitions:
Appellation d’Origine Protégée (AOP) – Protected Designation of Origin (PDO).
Indication Géographique Protégée (IGP) – Protected Geographical Indication (PGI).
These protect agricultural products, foodstuffs, and sometimes beverages, whose qualities and reputation stem from geographic origin.
4. Registration Process
Producers or groups apply through INAO.
The application involves:
Detailed description of the product.
Geographical delimitation.
Proof of link between product and territory.
Production and control specifications.
After evaluation and opposition periods, registration grants protection.
5. Protection and Enforcement
Registered GIs are protected against misuse, imitation, and evocation.
Enforcement is via French courts and EU mechanisms.
Protection applies nationally and throughout the EU.
6. International Treaties
France is a party to:
The TRIPS Agreement via the EU.
The Paris Convention.
The Lisbon Agreement for Appellations of Origin.
Protection of French GIs, including those from overseas territories, is supported internationally.
7. Local Context
Wallis and Futuna’s local economy is small and traditional, with limited commercial GI products.
Producers can potentially seek GI protection for unique local products through the French system.
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