EU Geographical Indications and circular economy: general overview and further reflections

The chapter first reconstructs the sui generis character and multiple functions of the European GI system before considering the place of sustainability and circularity within its recent development. The treatment of derivative products illustrates how circular principles may become relevant even in a field not conventionally associated with the circular economy, particularly where the law must balance protection of reputation and quality with the possibility of valorising genuine protected products in subsequent production processes