Abstract: Appellation of origin is a geographical name used on products that have a specific quality or characteristics that are essentially attributable to the geographical environment and human factors from the region in which the products are made. Geographical indication is a sign used on goods that have a specific geographical origin and possess qualities, a reputation or characteristics that are essentially attributable to that place of origin. The international protection is regulated by the Lisbon Agreement for the Protection of Appellation of Origin and their International Registration from 1958 and TRIPS Agreement. The european protection is regulated by a number of different laws, such as Regulation no. 1151/2012 on quality schemes for agricultural products and foodstuffs. In this article, we will analyse the definitions of appellation of origin and geografical indication in order to discover which are the resemblances and differences. We would like to identify the proper word "and/or" in order to determine the juridic position and relevance between appellation of origin and geographical indication at European and international level.
Keywords: appellation of origin, geographical indication, quality, geographical area