Abstract

• Geographical indication (GI) is a collective intellectual property right used to identify a particular products or goods of a specific place and possess a given quality, reputation or other characteristics attributable to its geographical source of origin. GI system can bolster sustainable economic growth with the restoration, preservation and promotion of cultural identity, specific knowledge and natural resources linked to a particular territory (FAO, 2023). Myanmar has many renowned local products or goods possessing distinct quality or reputation accrued from their place of origin as Puto-O grapefruit, Ywar Ngan Coffee, etc. These local products can now be enjoyed protection as GI- certified product or goods under Trademark Law, 2019. This study aims to disseminate legal knowledge on GI protection and to provide better understanding in the use of GI among stakeholders and potential GI beneficiaries including SMEs with emphasizing the implementation of GI protection to edible Bird’s Nest in Myeik Archipelago. The research highlights that with the adoption of a comprehensive GI protection scheme, policy and legislation framework should be in place so as to ensure that the protection system is adequately prepared and effectively provided to guarantee the sustainability of GI system as well as to secure the environmental sustainability of the local community.