Özet:

Geographical Indications is a sign used on goods from a specific geographical origin and possess qualities or a reputation that are resulting and strongly connected to that place of origin. Geographical Indications provides huge possibility for value added to the natural richness of a country and to the skills, innovation and creativity of local population and also gives local products a distinguishable identity (Addor & Grazioli, 2002). This distinguishable identity is considered as a determinant factor in global market. According to a Consumer Survey performed in European Union, 40 % of the consumers are ready to pay 10 % of the premium for origin guaranteed products (European Commission, 2004) that’s why Geographical Indications should be protected in order to prevent the misleading information of the true origin of the products as well as protecting the rights of the producers. Geographical Indications always strongly linked with origin territorial and local community, this fact put Geographical Indications in a rooted and strategic position for local society socio-economic upgrading. This paper aims to identify the strengthening of Geographical Indications as one of the most potential tools in escalating the local empowerment, branding of local product and wealth creation of a nation. In terms of legal theory this paper engages with literature upon geographical indication, legal protection and sustainable development mainly based on Elinor Ostrom’s “Theory of Collective Action” in initiating the local empowerment, enhancing nation wealth creation and governing the overflowing of GI products in global scale. This paper provides an analysis of what legal frameworks should be adopted to progressively implement Geographical Indication which range from international law and covenants to national legal instrument, government action and local community participation. Keywords: Geographical Indications, Legal Protection, Collective Action, Local Empowerment, Wealth Creation.

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