[Guest Book Review] Análisis Jurídico de la Denominación de Origen Protegida – El caso del queso manchego

[Jocelyn Bosse]

[Guest Book Review] Análisis Jurídico de la Denominación de Origen Protegida – El caso del queso manchego

Jocelyn Bosse Tuesday, May 26, 2026 - Book review, geographical indications, Queso Manchego, Spain

The IPKat has received and is pleased to host this review of the Spanish-language monograph, Análisis Jurídico de la Denominación de Origen Protegida – El caso del queso manchego (Legal Analysis of the Protected Designation of Origin – The case of Manchego cheese) by Anastasiia Kyrylenko. This book review has been prepared by Rebeca Ferrero Guillén, an IP lawyer at Garrigues and PhD Candidate at Maastricht University.

Here's what Rebeca has to say:

This is a review of Análisis jurídico de la Denominación de Origen Protegida. El caso del queso manchego by Dr. Anastasiia Kyrylenko. The author guides us through the land of Don Quixote and the windmills, revealing the history of Manchego cheese. Kyrylenko presents a highly original work that is accessible to both novices and experts in designations of origin (PDOs) and geographical indications (GIs). By blending various aspects, the author employs a holistic and comparative approach, encompassing the artisanal development of the cheese, technological and health-related innovations, cultural aspects from different eras and legal developments.

 

Photo by Rebeca Ferrero Guillén

While the focus of the book is on Manchego cheese, it also provides an exhaustive historical analysis of the evolution of recognition and regulations for other products, including wines and cheeses from other regions, such as Camembert and Roquefort. The present volume constitutes a fundamental read for individuals with a vested interest in the subject, specialists in the domain of PDOs and GIs, curious individuals and even foodies.

The book is structured in four parts, following a chronological order, through which the author dives into different aspects that have made possible the current recognition of Manchego cheese internationally.

Part I 

Part I focuses on "tradition" and it is possibly my favourite part of the book, due to its original approach.

The various sections trace the history of Manchego cheese from its origins up to 1970. Firstly, the author examines the legislative and institutional framework, taking a very insightful look at the international perspective, comparative law and the Spanish legislative system. Following this, the author demonstrates a high level of research, revealing curiosities about Spanish society, such as the first commercial references to Manchego cheese, explicit mentions of Manchego cheese in theatre plays and its corresponding connotations in comparison to other cheeses supposedly more "glamorous", such as French cheeses. Part I concludes with the initial steps taken towards the protection and future PDO for Manchego cheese.

Part II

Part II focuses on "protection" and focuses on the process followed to achieve the registration of the PDO. Part II covers the period from 1970 to 1991 and once again begins with the legislative and institutional framework, examining legislation on wine and other PDOs and GIs that were necessary to establish the legislation applicable to Manchego cheese. Throughout the sections comprising Part II, Kyrylenko analyses the process of establishing the Manchego cheese PDO, as well as the case law that made it possible to distinguish it from generic cheeses.

Part III

Part III focuses on the period from 1992 to 2024 and examines the consolidation of PDOs at international level through agreements and treaties, as well as at EU level through regulations and the Court of Justice case law.

The author also describes how the PDO for Manchego cheese was consolidated, a process that faced a series of challenges, particularly economic ones due to the significant investment in marketing and promotion required to educate consumers about the product’s characteristics. However, following the adoption of measures, this consolidation was successful and is bringing significant benefits of various kinds to the region of Castilla-La Mancha, such as the promotion of agritourism and job creation.

Part IV

Lastly, Part IV focuses on the outlook for PDOs and GIs from 2024 onwards. The analysis deals with the adoption of Regulation (EU) 2024/1143 on GIs for wines, spirit drinks and agricultural products, as well as Regulation (EU) 2023/2411 on GIs for craft and industrial products. The author explains the implications of both Regulations, the role of the EUIPO and, in particular, how Regulation (EU) 2023/2411 opens a new chapter for the potential EU-wide protection of regional products from Castilla-La Mancha and how they can learn from the history of Manchego cheese.

Final thoughts

All in all, the book offers a great source of in-depth knowledge, written in an accessible manner for all kinds of public, from curious individuals to practitioners and academics. As a researcher and IP lawyer not specialised in PDOs and GIs, the reading was easy to follow and profoundly interesting. It is clear that this book is the result of extensive research that demonstrates great originality and expertise from Dr. Anastasiia Kyrylenko. Personal tip: to reach an over-the-top experience, readers should pair the book with a nice glass of red wine and a cheese platter.

Details

Publisher: Tirant lo Blanch

Extent: 175 pages

Format: Hardback and eBook

ISBN: 979-13-7021-791-4

 

DO YOU WANT TO REUSE THE IPKAT CONTENT? PLEASE REFER TO OUR 'POLICIES' SECTION. IF YOU HAVE ANY QUERIES OR REQUESTS FOR PERMISSION, PLEASE GET IN TOUCH WITH THE IPKAT TEAM.

 

https://ipkitten.blogspot.com/2026/05/guest-book-review-analisis-juridico-de.html