Protection of signs and names

AOP "Champagne" ©Syndicat des Vignerons de Champagne

INAO is the guarantor of French geographical indications, as well as foreign geographical indications on national territory. In France and abroad, the institute ensures that the names of products under official signs are not usurped or misappropriated.

To carry out protection actions internationally, INAO relies in particular on professionals and interprofessions, an international network of lawyers, and the French diplomatic network.

INAO is also involved in European and international procedures relating to the protection of AOP and IGP and follows, in conjunction with the ministère chargé de l'Agriculture, negotiations on bilateral EU/third-country agreements.

Our missions

- Monitor trademark registrations to detect any possible usurpation, misappropriation or weakening of the reputation of a product under SIQO
- Intervene with intellectual property offices and, if necessary, oppose disputed trademarks in France or internationally,
- Take legal action in all cases where amicable settlement of the dispute has not been possible.
- Monitor negotiations of bilateral EU/third-country or international agreements , jointly with the Ministry of Agriculture
- Participate in European and international procedures relating to the protection of AOP and IGP
- Defend decisions taken by INAO challenged by a third party within the framework of administrative litigation