what is an appellation of origin?

An appellation of origin is a geographical name (designating a country, region, part of a region, locality, or specific area) used to identify a product that originates from that place and whose quality or characteristics are exclusively or essentially due to the natural and/or human factors specific to that region. Also considered as a geographical name is any designation which, even if it is not the actual name of a country, region, part of a region, locality, or specific area, refers to a clearly defined geographical area for the purpose of identifying certain products.
Definitions:
- "Product" refers to any natural, agricultural, artisanal, or industrial product, whether raw or processed.
- "Producer" refers to any individual or entity engaged in the production or exploitation of these products.
Appellations of origin are established at the initiative of competent government departments, in coordination with other relevant ministries and upon request by:
- - Any legally established institution, or
- - Any individual or legal entity engaged in production within the designated geographical area.
These appellations apply to products whose qualities or characteristics, based on their method of production or extraction, are defined by legislative or regulatory texts issued by the competent authorities, in response to the aforementioned requests.

What Cannot Be Registered as an Appellation of Origin?

The following designations are not eligible for protection:
- Names that do not comply with the definitions above.
- Names that do not follow clear regulations.
- Generic names of products — that is, commonly used terms generally recognized as such by experts in the field and the public.
- Names that are contrary to public morals or public order.