UPAYA PERLINDUNGAN HUKUM TERHADAP ARAK API MERITA SEBAGAI SUATU POTENSI INDIKASI GEOGRAFIS DI DESA LABA SARI, KARANGASEM

This study aims to determine and analyze legal protection efforts for Merita Fire Arak as a potential geographical indication in Laba Sari Village, Karangasem. This protection can be achieved through the protection of Intellectual Property Rights in the field of geographical indications. To (1) determine and analyze the Potential of Merita Fire Arak as One of the Potential Geographical Indications of Laba Sari Village, Karangasem Regency. To determine (2) Legal Protection Efforts from the Karangasem Regency Government in Terms of Protecting Merita Fire Arak as a Potential Geographical Indication in Laba Sari Village, Karangasem Regency. The research method used is descriptive empirical legal research, the data used are primary data and secondary data consisting of primary, secondary and tertiary legal materials, data collection techniques used are document studies, observations and interviews. The sampling technique used is non-probability sampling with a purposive sampling form. The results obtained are then processed qualitatively so that the results can be used as a guideline in solving the problems studied. The results of the study indicate that Merita Fire Arak has the potential to be registered as a Geographical Indication through the Regional Research and Innovation Agency (Brida) of Karangasem Regency under the auspices of the Ministry of Law so that a geographical indication can be submitted and then a survey will be conducted by a team of Geographical Indication experts from the Directorate General of Intellectual Property (DJKI). However, in efforts to provide legal protection for Merita Fire Arak as a potential geographical indication, there are several problems or obstacles such as lack of information from the government and lack of legal awareness of the community regarding the registration of geographical indications.