Geographical Indications

Product names (is. afurðarheiti) may be protected as designations of origin, geographical indications or traditional speciality, usually named Geographical Indications or GIs. Registered GIs are IP Rights and even though the ISIPO does not register such names, they may affect registration of trademarks. A trademark may thus not be registered if it consists of or includes a protected product name, e.g. FETA or Parmigiano Reggiano.

Products which enjoy GIs protection bear a quality indication and such products are identified with specific labels, both in Europe and in Iceland.

Icelandic GIs can be labelled with these labels
Icelandic GIs can be labelled with these labels

GIs protected on a European level are protected in Iceland.

The Icelandic Food and Veterinary Organisation (MAST) is responsible for GIs registration in Iceland.

European GIs can be labelled with the labels
European GIs can be labelled with the labels

In a nutshell:

  • Registered rights

    with the Icelandic Food and Veterinary Agency

  • Quality indication

    and a clear link between product and origin