Some of the most famous and luxurious brands (Champagne, Bordeaux, Port) around the world are geographical indications (GIs) and bring in substantial revenue for the United States and Europe. According to the European Commission Agricultural and Rural Development Department, the EU accounts for 45 percent of world wine-growing areas, 65 percent of production, 57 percent of global consumption and 70 percent of wine exports globally. Per data from the Wine Institute, the U.S. has been the largest wine consuming nation in the world since 2010 and U.S. wine exports, 90 percent from California, reached a record $1.61 billion in winery revenues in 2015, with the majority of exports going to the EU.

Originally published in Bloomberg BNA’s Patent, Trademark & Copyright Journal® - June 9, 2017.