Geographical indication is information about the origin of goods, including: words, signs, symbols, images indicating: a nation, a territory, a local in which goods are made. Quality, prestige, reputation of the goods are made from geographical origin. For example “Made in Japan” (electricity),

“Van Phuc” (silk); “Bat Trang” (china products)…

There is a kind of special geographical indication known as “Appellation of Origin”. If a geographical indication is just a geographical name and the prestige, reputation of respective products are peculiarly attributed to such region, then such geographical indication is called “Appellation of Origin”

For example: “Phu Quoc” (fish sauce)

A geographical indication shall be protected as information of the goods’ origin if it meets following requirements:

- Appearing in words, signs, symbols or images which indicate a nation or a territory, a local of a nation.

- Being displayed on goods, package of goods or dealing documents related to goods selling in order to show that such goods are from the nation, territory or local which peculiar characteristics or qualities, reputation of the goods are attributed to.

If the geographical indication is appellation of origin, it shall be protected according to the regulations on appellation of origin.

Geographical information that has become goods’ popular name and can not be the function of indicating geographical origin shall not be protected as geographical indication.

Right to use geographical indication: