Integrating country of origin into global marketing strategy

Abstract

Country‐of‐origin research has frequently found country markings to affect consumer product evaluations, providing country‐of‐origin markings a unique opportunity to become an evermore important element in the global strategic mix. However, marketing literature has been delinquent in providing international strategists meaningful aids for obtaining wanted “made in” designations. Therefore, this study provides an examination of the four major legal tests (name, character and use; essence; value added; and article of commerce) which constitute the US marking statutes. Explanations of the tests, with practical examples, are provided to enhance marketing practitioners’ abilities for integrating country‐of‐origin markings into overall global strategic design.