Is "Champagne", as a Geographical Indication, ready for .CHAMPAGNE new gTLD?

The readiness of "Champagne" as a Geographical Indication (GI) for a .CHAMPAGNE new gTLD is a complex issue that involves both the established legal protection of the name and the specific requirements of ICANN's new gTLD program.

Here is a breakdown of the key factors:

Legal Protection of "Champagne" as a GI

• Strong and Long-standing Protection: "Champagne" is one of the most well-known and strongly protected GIs in the world. Its protection dates back to French law in the early 20th century and is recognized internationally through treaties and agreements. The name can only be used by producers of sparkling wine from the Champagne region of France.
• Active Defense by the CIVC: The Comité Interprofessionnel du Vin de Champagne (CIVC) is the interprofessional body that actively defends the name "Champagne" globally against misuse and infringement. They have a long history of legal action and are well-versed in intellectual property disputes.
• GI vs. Trademark: While a GI is not the same as a trademark, it serves a similar function in protecting the name's association with a specific product from a specific region. The CIVC has successfully argued for the protection of "Champagne" as a GI in various legal forums, even in cases where they didn't hold a trademark.

Readiness for a .CHAMPAGNE gTLD

The next round of new gTLD applications is expected to open in April 2026. The readiness of "Champagne" for a new gTLD is determined by the specific rules and requirements of ICANN's program, particularly for "geographic gTLDs."

• Community and Geographic Applications: ICANN's application process has a specific track for geographic names, which includes places, regions, and communities. The "Champagne" GI is a perfect example of a community-based application.
• Governmental Support: A crucial requirement for a geographic gTLD is the need for formal support or non-objection from the relevant government or public authority. For .CHAMPAGNE, this would require backing from the French government or an appropriate regulatory body. Given the strong legal protection and national importance of the name, it is highly likely that such support would be secured.
• Applicant and Operational Readiness: The entity applying for the gTLD (most likely the CIVC or an entity they designate) must demonstrate the technical, financial, and operational capacity to run a registry. This is a significant undertaking that requires a detailed business plan, a solid financial backing, and a partnership with a qualified registry service provider.
• Potential for Objections: The application for a .CHAMPAGNE gTLD would be subject to a public comment and objection period. While the legal rights to the name are very strong, there could be objections from various parties on different grounds, such as string confusion or public interest. The CIVC's long history of defending the name would be a significant advantage in this process.

Conclusion

Based on the strong legal and institutional framework surrounding the "Champagne" Geographical Indication, it is highly ready for a .CHAMPAGNE new gTLD. The established protection, the active defense by the CIVC, and the clear community and geographic connection align perfectly with the requirements of ICANN's new gTLD program. The primary remaining steps would be the formal application process itself, including securing governmental support and demonstrating the technical and financial capacity to operate the registry.