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While not an exhaustively researched topic, the protection of geographical indications has been the focus of a number of academic and other policy researchers. This work has focused primarily on the legal aspects of geographical indication protection. However, an area that may bear further research is the economic and social implication of geographical indications protection.

Research on this topic began with appelations of origin for wines and has continued to expand to the broader subjects of geographical indications on other agricultural products. Several major studies have been produced at leading international organizations. An interesting set of case studies produced by students highlight the key concerns related to specific products.

The European Union has sponsored a major research project on the development of origin labelled products. This project (called DOLPHINS) is a three year collaborative study project among researchers at 17 research institutes. The project was scheduled to end in December 2003.