We discuss the economics of geographical indications (GIs), a form of collective branding of products based on their geographic origin. GIs serve as essential tools in addressing market failures stemming from information asymmetries and supporting the provision of high-quality products in competitive settings. They are increasingly used in wine and food markets. We briefly review the institutional development of GIs and discuss the basic economic theory arguments that rationalize the use of GIs and characterize their key functions. We then examine the empirical evidence from studies that have probed various features of GIs. We find consensus on the potential for GIs to address a very real market failure and the positive role that policies and supporting institutions can play. We also uncover limitations and unresolved problems. GIs have both efficiency and distributional consequences, their international implications remain controversial, and tensions between tradition and innovation emerge while confronting new challenges such as climate change.

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地理标志经济学：更新


我们讨论地理标志（GI）的经济学，这是一种基于地理来源的产品集体品牌形式。地理标志是解决信息不对称导致的市场失灵和支持在竞争环境中提供高质量产品的重要工具。它们越来越多地用于葡萄酒和食品市场。我们简要回顾了地理标志的制度发展，并讨论了合理化地理标志的使用并描述其主要功能的基本经济理论论点。然后，我们检查了探索地理标志各种特征的研究中的经验证据。我们就地理标志解决非常现实的市场失灵的潜力以及政策和支持机构可以发挥的积极作用达成了共识。我们还发现了局限性和未解决的问题。地理标志同时具有效率和分配后果，其国际影响仍然存在争议，在面临气候变化等新挑战时，传统与创新之间出现紧张关系。