Geographical Indication and Small and Medium Enterprises Promotion: A Comparative Study between European Union Law and Geographical Indication Act, 2013

Abstract

The European Union; therefore, recognized the importance of providing protection and registration of geographical indications, so there is a development of the legal mechanism for a long time, and it is effective., making the trade of geographic markers become popular towards consumers from both inside and outside the country, and it also generates tremendous revenue for operators in the region. Geographical indications are important tools for products promoting from the small and medium-sized enterprises by guaranteeing special qualifications or having specific characteristics of products occurred from the influence of geographical environment as well as skills, professionals, and local wisdom of people who are living in such geographic area, so such products become famous and popular. Hence, this research article is qualitative research which has the main objective of implementing the EU Geographical Indication Law as a model for developing and improving Thai laws to be comprehensive and effective. Thus, it is for the benefits of promoting small and medium-sized businesses as well as creating national economic stability in the future. Thailand has implemented Geographical Indication Act B.E. 2546 (2003)  it should provide the protection both Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) and Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) protection as well as Traditional Specialities Guaranteed (TSG) in order to do not create over conditions and create higher protection for the small and medium-sized enterprises.