A geographical indication is a sign that identifies a product as originating from a specific locality, area, region, or country, where a particular quality, reputation, or other characteristic of the product is essentially attributable to its geographical origin.

Geographical indications can be registered in two categories: Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) and Protected Geographical Indication (PGI).

Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) Registration

The name of the locality, area, or region from which a product originates is recognized as a "designation of origin." To qualify for this type of registration, the product must:

• Originate from a geographically defined locality, area, region, or, in exceptional cases, a country,
• Derive all or its essential qualities or characteristics from the natural and human factors specific to that locality, area, or region,
• Have all stages of production, processing, and preparation carried out entirely within the boundaries of that locality, area, or region.

Products that meet all these requirements can be registered and protected under a "Protected Designation of Origin (PDO)."

Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) Registration

For the name of the locality, area, or region from which a product originates to be registered as a "Protected Geographical Indication (PGI)," the product must:

• Originate from a geographically defined locality, area, or region,
• Possess a specific quality, reputation, or other characteristic that links it to that locality, area, or region,
• Have at least one stage of production, processing, or preparation carried out within the boundaries of the defined locality, area, or region.

Products that meet all these requirements can be registered and protected under a "Protected Geographical Indication (PGI)."

Benefits of Geographical Indication Registration

For the name of the locality, area, or region from which a product originates to be registered as a "Protected Geographical Indication (PGI)":

• The quality of products registered with a geographical indication can be protected, and their production can be maintained at a consistent standard,
• Producers operating in the geographical area associated with the indication can benefit primarily from the protection provided by registration,
• Confusion with products produced in other regions can be prevented,
• The promotion and recognition of products in domestic and international markets can be facilitated.

As the İzmir Commodity Exchange, following evaluations and research conducted in early 2002, we concluded that obtaining geographical indication registration for cotton, seedless grapes (Sultana), and figs (Sarılop variety for drying), which are among our region's traditional agricultural products, would be beneficial.

The main basis for our efforts was the well-deserved reputation these products have earned in domestic and international markets due to their high quality, as well as their distinctive characteristics compared to similar products grown in other regions or countries.

Furthermore, it was recognized that the İzmir Commodity Exchange, which has pioneered commodity exchange activities in Türkiye since 1891 and implemented numerous projects in the Turkish agricultural sector, has an important responsibility to protect and promote the reputation of our region's traditional products.

Initiation of Geographical Indication Registration Efforts

It was decided that the most appropriate approach would be to carry out geographical indication registration activities in cooperation with institutions and organizations operating in our region in connection with these products.

For this purpose, a meeting was organized with the participation of 51 invited institutions considered closely involved in the cotton, seedless grape, and fig sectors. As a result of the meeting, it was agreed that geographical indication applications would be submitted under the following names.

• Aegean Cotton,
• Aegean Fig,
• Aegean Grape.

Application Process

The application files prepared for the three products were submitted to the Turkish Patent Institute on February 6, 2003, and the announcements regarding these applications were published in the Official Gazette dated July 27, 2003, No. 25181.

Registered Geographical Indications

As a result of the efforts undertaken, the geographical indication applications for all three products were successfully completed.

• Aegean Sultana Grape: The application for seedless grapes (Sultana) was registered under the name “Ege Sultani Üzüm” (Aegean Sultana Grape), effective from February 6, 2003, and officially communicated in a letter from the Turkish Patent Institute dated November 29, 2004.
• Aegean Cotton: The application for cotton was registered under the name “Ege Pamuğu” (Aegean Cotton), effective from February 6, 2003, and officially communicated in a letter from the Turkish Patent Institute dated May 24, 2005.
• Aegean Fig: The application for figs was registered under the name “Ege İnciri” (Aegean Fig), effective from July 27, 2003, and officially communicated in a letter from the Turkish Patent Institute dated June 13, 2006.

Thus, through the efforts carried out by the İzmir Commodity Exchange, three important traditional agricultural products of our region were placed under protection through geographical indication registration.