Legal Definitions - geographic name

A geographic name is a word or phrase that identifies a specific location on Earth. This can include names of countries, states, cities, towns, rivers, mountains, regions, or any other identifiable place. In legal contexts, the use and protection of geographic names often arise in areas such as trademark law, property descriptions, and consumer protection.

• Example 1 (Trademark Law): A clothing company launches a new line of denim and attempts to trademark the brand name "California Jeans."

  Explanation: "California" is a geographic name, referring to a specific U.S. state. Trademark law generally makes it difficult to register a geographic name as a trademark if it merely describes the origin of the goods (e.g., jeans made in California). This is because such names are considered descriptive and should remain available for all businesses operating in or associated with that location. To be trademarked, a geographic name usually needs to acquire a "secondary meaning," where consumers primarily associate the name with a specific company's product rather than just the place itself.

• Example 2 (Property Description): A will specifies that a beneficiary is to inherit "the family farm located in the Willamette Valley, Oregon."

  Explanation: "Willamette Valley" and "Oregon" are both geographic names. These terms are used in the legal document to precisely identify the location of the property being bequeathed. Such specificity helps to avoid ambiguity and ensures that the correct piece of land is transferred according to the testator's wishes.

• Example 3 (Consumer Protection/Geographical Indications): A winemaker labels their product "Champagne" even though the grapes were grown and the wine was produced in a different region, such as the Finger Lakes region of New York.

  Explanation: "Champagne" is a geographic name that specifically refers to sparkling wine produced in the Champagne region of France, under strict regulations. Using this geographic name for wine produced elsewhere is generally prohibited by international agreements and consumer protection laws. This is because the name implies a specific origin, quality, and production method, and its misuse could mislead consumers about the product's authenticity and characteristics.