What is a Geographical Indication?
A GEOGRAPHICAL INDICATION IS A NAME DEFINING PRODUCTS ORIGINATING FROM A SPECIFIC REGION, AREA, OR COUNTRY WITH DEFINED GEOGRAPHICAL BOUNDARIES, WHICH ARE IDENTIFIED WITH THIS GEOGRAPHICAL AREA DUE TO THEIR DISTINCTIVE QUALITY, REPUTATION, OR OTHER CHARACTERISTICS, AND FOR WHICH AT LEAST ONE OF THE PRODUCTION, PROCESSING, OR OTHER OPERATIONS TAKES PLACE WITHIN THE DEFINED GEOGRAPHICAL AREA. For geographical indications, although at least one of the product's characteristics belongs to that region, it is possible for the product to be produced outside the region as well. The link between the product and the region may solely be its reputation. ANTEP BAKLAVA and HEREKE SILK CARPET can be cited as examples of geographical indications.
Names that are traditionally used to indicate a product meeting the requirements for designation of origin or geographical indication, that have become established in daily language, and that do not contain a geographical place name, even if they do not contain a geographical place name, can also be a designation of origin or a geographical indication.