IP Facts and Figures 2024

Geographical indications

In 2023, China (9,785) had the most GIs in force within its territory, followed by Germany (7,586), Italy (6,330), and France (6,098). The high rankings achieved by European Union (EU) countries is explained by the fact that the 5,376 GIs in force throughout the EU regional system are in force in every member state. In addition, some EU member states, such as France and Italy, are party to the Lisbon System; therefore, GIs in force via the Lisbon System (1,085 appellations of origin and geographical indications, excluding domestic and refusals) are also included in the total.

A number of authorities provided data on GIs broken down according to source (that is, whether they are a national or foreign GI). The share of national GIs ranged from as low as 0.4% in Costa Rica to as high as 100% in Bangladesh and Ethiopia. More than 90% of the GIs in force in Brazil (92.4%), China (96.2%), India (93.6%), Türkiye (99.8%), and Viet Nam (91.5%) were national GIs, whereas almost all those in force in Costa Rica (99.6%) were foreign GIs.

GIs in force relating to wines and spirits (48.1%) accounted for almost half of the 2023 global total, while agricultural products and foodstuffs accounted for 44.8% and handicrafts 4.2% of the total. In terms of absolute numbers, China (8,163) reported the highest number of GIs in force for agricultural products and foodstuffs. When it comes to the category of wines and spirits, the EU (3,329) had the most GIs in force. China (388), India (274), Austria (189), and Türkiye (165) each had a considerable number of GIs in force for handicrafts in 2023.