Proposed Amendments to oriGIn’s Regulations and Internal Regulations for 2025: An Assessment from a Global Geographical Indications Governance Perspective

Geographical indications (GIs) have become a strategic tool at the intersection of international trade, intellectual property law, and development policies over the past two decades. In an era of accelerating globalization, intense standardization of production processes, and the dominance of large-scale brands that influence consumer preferences, geographical indications stand out as a crucial mechanism for preserving local identities, promoting cultural diversity, and revitalizing rural economies. GI protection provides both economic added value to producers and quality assurance to consumers across a wide range of products, including wine, cheese, coffee, tea, olive oil, cocoa, as well as handicrafts and traditional production methods. Therefore, geographical indications are not only a commercial protection tool but also a multifaceted policy tool that supports the continuity of cultural heritage and sustainable development. One of the most influential international platforms in this field is oriGIn (Organization for an International Geographical Indications Network), founded in 2003 and headquartered in Geneva. Today, oriGIn, which includes hundreds of member organizations, producer associations, public institutions, and civil society organizations from over 40 countries, serves as a critical network for the protection and promotion of geographical indications on a global scale. The organization’s mission is to defend the rights of its members, ensure more effective international protection of geographical indications, strengthen information sharing, and raise global awareness. In line with this mission, oriGIn works in dialogue with international actors such as the World Trade Organization (WTO), the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), European Union institutions, and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), while also establishing various platforms for the exchange of experience among its members. 

Over the past 23 years, oriGIn has grown significantly and gained global recognition, not only increasing its membership but also broadening the scope of services it offers to its members. Advocacy activities, legal consultancy services, participation in international negotiations, information-sharing activities, and training programs have further strengthened the organization’s global network. However, this growth has also brought new responsibilities and challenges. The increasing diversity of services and global activities has led to increased costs; moreover, the coordination and governance of the regional branches (antennas) emerging in different regions has become a matter requiring clarification within the organization’s institutional structure. 

In this context, the amendments to the bylaws and internal regulations, shared with members on September 12, 2025, and to be voted on at the General Assembly to be held in Morelia, Mexico, on October 8, 2025, are seen as a milestone in oriGIn’s institutional development. The most notable of these proposed changes is the 10% increase in membership dues, the first such increase since its founding in 2003. Updating dues, which have remained at the same level for 23 years, has become essential for the organization’s financial sustainability. The costs of global activities, inflationary pressures, digital infrastructure investments, and the diversification of services provided to members necessitate an increase in membership dues. This regulation is important not only for the maintenance of existing activities but also for the implementation of new projects and the enhancement of the organization’s global effectiveness.

Given the critical role of membership dues in the financial sustainability of international organizations, this decision can be considered a long-overdue adjustment.

Another important aspect of the proposed changes is the clarification of the status and mission of national and regional antennas. Antennas are structures that represent the organization in a specific geographic region, strengthen coordination among members, and conduct advocacy activities at the local level. While the function of antennas has largely been based on customary practices, the lack of clear definition of the powers, duties, and responsibilities of these structures in official documents has led to uncertainties in practice. The new regulations more clearly define the antennas’ objectives, their coordination mechanisms with the central office, and their role in decision-making processes. This will increase both transparency and accountability and provide a more effective representation mechanism at the local level. Governance literature emphasizes that principles such as transparency, accountability, and inclusiveness are decisive for institutional sustainability in international organizations (Keohane, 2002; Abbott & Snidal, 2009). In this context, oriGIn’s antenna regulations are not merely a technical adaptation but also a structure that strengthens organizational governance.

It should be viewed as a fundamental reform. Defining the relationship between headquarters and branches through written norms is critical for maintaining institutional integrity and strengthening trust among members.

Taken together, the increase in dues and the strengthening of antennas can be considered complementary reforms that serve the organization’s long-term strategic goals. A strong institutional structure cannot be established without financial sustainability; and the equitable and efficient use of financial resources cannot be guaranteed without a strong governance system. Therefore, these changes not only address short-term cost pressures but also shape the organization’s future vision. 

Another element that enhances the strategic importance of the changes is oriGIn’s plan for the 2025–2027 period. This plan includes objectives such as expanding global presence, increasing the organization’s visibility, reinforcing governance principles, and preserving the integrity of the network. The proposed changes are aligned with these goals and will strengthen the organization both financially and institutionally. Updating membership dues will increase the organization’s operational efficiency; Clarifying the authority and responsibilities of antennas will create a stronger advocacy capacity at the local level. This will allow oriGIn to go beyond being a global network and become an organization that establishes closer ties with its members and represents their interests more effectively.

A review of the experiences of international organizations demonstrates that financial sustainability and corporate governance are key to success. For example, the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) derives its revenue largely from trademark and patent registration fees, enabling it to fund its long-term projects. The mechanisms coordinating the European Union’s geographical indication system also ensure its financial sustainability through contributions from member states and funding for projects. In this context, if oriGIn follows a similar path, it will enhance both the organization’s independence and its long-term impact. An increase in membership dues could also strengthen members’ commitment to the organization, as this step can be seen as a reflection of collective responsibility.

Consequently, the proposed changes to the bylaws and internal regulations for 2025 represent a critical milestone in oriGIn’s institutional development. The update to dues ensures financial sustainability, while the clarification of the antenna status increases the organization’s transparency, accountability, and inclusiveness. These changes are not only financial and administrative regulations, but also structural reforms that strengthen the organization’s strategic vision. By moving towards a stronger, more participatory, and more sustainable structure, oriGIn is consolidating its leadership position in the global geographical indication community and making decisive strides toward its long-term goals.

Sources

• Abbott, K. W., & Snidal, D. (2009). The Governance Triangle: Regulatory Standards Institutions and the Shadow of the State. In W. Mattli & N. Woods (Eds.), The Politics of Global Regulation. Princeton University Press.
• Belletti, G., Marescotti, A., & Touzard, J.-M. (2017). Geographical Indications, Public Goods, and Sustainable Development: The Roles of Actors’ Strategies and Public Policies. World Development, 98, 45–57.
• Keohane, R. O. (2002). Governance in a Partially Globalized World. American Political Science Review, 95(1), 1–13.
• oriGIn. (2025). Proposed Amendments to oriGIn’s Statutes and Internal Regulations. oriGIn Advocacy/Origin Alerts, 12 September 2025.
• oriGIn. (2023). Strategic Plan 2023–2025. Geneva: Organisation for an International Geographical Indications Network.
• WIPO. (2020). Geographical Indications: An Introduction. Geneva: World Intellectual Property Organization.
• WTO. (2004). Geographical Indications: Background and Current Situation. Geneva: World Trade Organization.
• Zografos, D. (2010). Intellectual Property and Traditional Cultural Expressions. World Intellectual Property Organization Journal, 2(1), 25–36