Legal Definitions - appellation of origin

Definition: Appellation of origin is a term used in trademarks to represent a product's geographic origin. It is a symbol, word, phrase, or graphic element like a map that is regulated to ensure that the product reflects some well-known feature peculiar to the region. This term usually applies to a product whose quality or some characteristic feature has been gained by natural means, such as by the nature of the local climate or soil, or by the nature of the way it is made, such as by local customs of production.

Example: The appellation "Burgundy" can only be used for wines made from certain types of varietal grapes from particular regions of France. This means that if a wine is labeled as "Burgundy," it must meet certain standards and come from a specific region in France. Another example is "Roquefort" cheese, which can only be called Roquefort if it is made from sheep's milk in the Roquefort-sur-Soulzon region of France.

Explanation: These examples illustrate how the appellation of origin is used to protect the quality and authenticity of products from specific regions. The use of these terms is regulated to ensure that consumers can trust that the product they are buying is genuine and meets certain standards. This helps to protect the reputation of the region and the product, and also helps consumers make informed choices about the products they buy.