After years of waiting, Italy has ratified the Geneva Act: Parmigiano Reggiano, Prosciutto di Parma, Aceto Balsamico and all Italian PDO and PGI products can now be protected in countries adhering to the agreement through a single international registration.
What this means in practice: Previously, to protect a product like "Bresaola della Valtellina" in multiple countries required separate procedures for each territory. Now a single registration with WIPO is enough to extend protection to countries adhering to the agreement.
The real innovation:
✨ Previously only PDOs (products 100% tied to the territory) could access this international protection
✨ Now PGIs (products with at least one production phase in the territory) can also register
✨ Strengthened protection against imitations and "Italian sounding"
Why it matters: Every year billions of euros worth of products circulate that pretend to be Italian without being so, imitating the names and reputation of our products of excellence. This agreement helps counter these unfair practices, protecting both producers and consumers.
Important note: PDO and PGI registration does not replace trademark registration. They are complementary tools: geographical denominations protect the name linked to the territory, trademarks protect the company's commercial identity. For comprehensive protection, both tools should be considered in the protection strategy.
A historic step to defend the authenticity of Italian excellence worldwide.