Challenges in Protection of Geographical Indications in the Iranian Legal System: Opportunities and Recommendations

In the Iranian legal system, the protection of geographical indications comes to in light of the Law on Protection of Geographical Indications approved in 2005, and the conventions and international agreements such as the Paris Convention, Madrid and Lisbon agreements. However, each of these status have gaps and shortcomings which the protection of geographical indications faced by serious legal challenges. So, origin Iranian products in domestic and foreign markets has been forged and exploited and ultimately lead to confusion of real consumers. This article is trying to explain the main gaps and obstacles, and intends to introduce opportunities and guidelines to address inefficiencies of geographical indications system and provide recommendations to improve the legal status of these badges.