Designations of origin and geographical indications as an element of economic development: The Ecuador Case

Abstract

The denominations of origin and geographical indications, as distinctive signs, occupy a prominent place as an element of the impulse to the economic development of a given territory, since through them the development and marketing of high-quality products and differentiation, which in turn, allows reaching significant levels of commercial and tourist positioning for the place or region of its origin, as well as the generation of new sources of direct and indirect employment, increasing foreign exchange income from exports, the increase of State tax collection, among other socio-economic benefits. Thus, designations of origin and geographical indications are considered elements of economic development within the productive policy of a State. Therefore, the purpose of this work is to analyze the denominations of origin and geographical indications as a specialized category within the field of Trademark Law and Intellectual Property Law. It is relevant for a better understanding of how these concepts developed in Ecuadorian legislation. While for determining the options presented by the local legal framework promoting its development and use. Moreover, as those elements that the State should consider for taking advantage to promote national growth. Then the exegetical-critical method has been used, through is introduced a doctrinal and normative approach.

Keywords

• designations of origin
• geographical indications
• intellectual property rights
• trademarks.