글로컬 시대에 대응한 지리적표시제 활성화 방안

The geographical indication system, first introduced in Korea in 1999, has been drawing attention as a policy tool to overcome the crisis of globalization through localization. However, despite the rapid increase in the number of geographical indication protected items, questions are still being raised about its effectiveness. In this context, this study tries to investigate the background of the geographical indication system, related laws, and the status of domestic registration, and derived major barriers to the activation of the geographical indication system on the basis of literature reviews and field surveys. Based on this, we suggested measures to activate the geographical indication system. The results of the study showed that the major barriers to the activation of the geographical indication system are, first, the lack of geographical uniqueness and the vulnerability of added value. Although the geographical indication registered items in Korea legally meet the geographical indication registration criteria, only a small number of items are publicly recognized as reflecting the unique geographical characteristics of the region in the product characteristics. Second, the geographical indication system in Korea has a dual management system managed by the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (Agricultural and Fishery Products Quality Management Act) and the Korean Intellectual Property Office (Trademark Act). The fact that the two ministries operate separate examination, management, and registration procedures for the same geographical indication items causes administrative inefficiency and increased costs, and causes problems such as consumer confusion. Third, the problems raised above are combined to result in low consumer awareness of our country’s geographical indication items. In order to overcome these problems, first, it is necessary to strengthen the connection between geographical characteristics and product quality, and to select and intensively manage products that are meaningful in terms of international trade. In addition, the dual management systems of the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs and the Korean Intellectual Property Office should be integrated or cooperation between ministries should be strengthened to overcome the inefficiency of the system. Lastly, the quality standards for geographical indication registered products should be clarified and strictly managed, and consumer awareness should be raised through publicity and education using the mass media.