The Simplification of European Legislation for the Protection of Geographical Indications: The Proposed Regulation on Agricultural Product Quality Schemes

摘要

The proposal for a Regulation on Agricultural Product Quality Schemes for protecting names such as "Parma Ham " or "White Stilton Cheese" is intended to simplify the registration of geographical indications (PDOs and PGIs) and traditional specialities guaranteed (TSGs), under a single legal instrument, providing efficiencies in the application process as well as more rigorous standards of certification and enforcement. Nonetheless, the author argues, the rationale for simplification may not be the most effective in maximising the system's social utility, especially in view of the interests of competitors and small-scale producers.