Geographical indications are similar to trademarks, but can be
used by anyone who meets the standard of the indicator rather than
just one company. An appellation of origin is the most common
example of a geographical indication.
More accurately, according to WIPO:A geographical indication is
a sign used on goods that have a specific geographical origin and
possess qualities, reputation or characteristics that are
essentially attributable to that place of origin. Most commonly, a
geographical indication includes the name of the place of origin of
the goods. Agricultural products typically have qualities that
derive from their place of production and are influenced by
specific local factors, such as climate and soil. Whether a sign is
recognized as a geographical indication is a matter of national
law. Geographical indications may be used for a wide variety of
products, whether natural, agricultural or manufactured.
This is why a whole lot of wines that undergo secondary
fermentation suddenly went from being called "champagne" to being
"methode champenoise" and later "methode traditionnelle;" they used
the methods of the region, but aren't from that region.