Earlier quoted context omitted.
It's not a trademark, it's a designation of geographical origin. France doesn't "protect" Champagne - it's just that if you call something Champagne it has to be real Champagne - i.e. be made in Champagne, following the Champagne method. Just like Campana Mozza, Feta, etc. It's as much for the consumer as it is for the producer. And there are rows of "Sparkling Wine according to the Champagne method" in French superm…
> France doesn't "protect" Champagne Oh, but they do. This goes a lot beyond simple geographical "truth in advertising", and is indeed a lot more similar to a trademark. As you mention, it's not enough for a wine to be produced in the region of Champagne to be allowed to be called Champagne, it has to be produced within very narrow parameters. Jamon Iberico is indeed protected, and again, there's quite a bit more goi…
Of course there are protection motives - but can you criticise the EU for ensuring that stalls aren't flooded with fakes? As a consumer I don't want to have to do extensive research on everything I buy - "Is this organic strawberry really organic?", "Are these Jersey Royals really from Jersey?", "Is this really Champagne?"