We all agree that roads are useful. If everyone agrees to drive on the right (or everyone agrees to drive on the left), then the rules all make sense and traffi

We all agree that roads are useful. If everyone agrees to drive on the right (or everyone agrees to drive on the left), then the rules all make sense and traffic runs more smoothly. So really this is a system that is rather like trademarks, and with similar purposes. But instead of a made up name, you use the name of the town or region where something is made. This does have its own upsides and downsides; like the fact that you have to remember that people make somewhat similar cheeses in Brie and Camembert, or in Gouda and Edam[1]. But like with trademarks, you do know that you'll always get the same consistent quality; be it good or bad. It's a system. And it works well enough for its purpose. [1] I did say similar. If you're a big cheese fan, please don't hurt me!