The U.S. Patent and Trademark Office has implemented new guidelines regarding the use of common food terms, such as Parmesan or Havarti. The European Union takes a protectionist stance on the use of geographic-based food names while the U.S. wants to protect the use of common food names. The American Farm Bureau Federation, National Association of State Department of Agriculture, National Milk Producers Federation and others support this action, saying this balanced system protects the rights of consumers and other stakeholders.
