Since the geographical indication general provision was introduced in 2016 (under Law No. 20 of 2016 concerning the Trademark and Geographical Indication Law), there was no specific stipulation from the Indonesian government to support the law, until June 25, 2019, when the government enacted Ministry Regulation No. 12 of 2019 implementing the specific provisions regarding […]
CAMBODIA: Foreign Geographical Indications Welcomed in Cambodia
Champagne, a sparkling wine made from grapes grown in the French region of the same name, and one of France’s most famous products, became the first foreign product to be awarded geographical indication (GI) status in Cambodia on April 29, 2019. This was followed closely by Scotch whisky, which is distilled and matured in Scotland […]
SINGAPORE: Court Rules ‘Tartan’ Is Not a Geographical Indication
Scotch Whisky Association (the appellant) is an association protecting the interests of leading distillers, blenders, and exporters of the Scotch Whisky trade worldwide. Isetan Mitsukoshi Ltd (the respondent) is a Japanese department store selling a variety of products, including alcoholic beverages. The respondent applied for “Isetan Tartan” (the mark) in Singapore in Class 33 for […]
Registry of Geographical Indications in Singapore
A geographical indication (“GI”) is a sign that identifies a product as originating from a specific venue or location and has given characteristics and qualities that are unique to its location or origin. Under the World Trade Organization Agreement on Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights, unregistered GIs already receive some protection in Singapore so […]
Singapore: Request for an extension of time to file a notice of opposition against a Geographical Indication (“GI”) - Showing good and sufficient reason
Consorzio del Formaggio Parmigiano Reggiano v U.S. Dairy Export Council [2019] SGIPOS 12 Summary of Facts Consorzio Del Formaggio Parmigiano Reggiano (“the Applicant”) applied to register the geographical indication (“GI”) “Parmigiano Reggiano” (“the GI Application”). The GI Application was accepted and published for opposition purposes on May 10, 2019. The deadline to file a notice […]
Champagne Awarded GI Status in Cambodia
A geographical indication (“GI”) is a sign that identifies a product as originating from a specific venue or location and has given characteristics and qualities that are unique to its location or origin. Champagne - a sparkling wine made from grapes grown in the French region of the same name, is one of France’s most […]
SINGAPORE’S GI REGISTRY – NOW FULLY OPERATIONAL
To comply with its obligations under the recently approved European Union-Singapore Free Trade Agreement (“EUSFTA”), Singapore has established a new Registry of Geographical Indications (“GI Registry”). The GI Registry commences operations with effect from 01 April 2019. A significant development is that GI protection will now be extended to agricultural products and foodstuffs such as […]
The Proposed Draft Geographical Indications Act in Singapore
A geographical indication (“GI”) can be understood to be a sign which when applied to products corresponds with a particular geographical origin attributing certain essential and peculiar qualities or reputation to such products. In essence, a GI performs the function of being an indicator of certain characteristics or reputation or certifying adherence to traditional/ distinctive […]
GI Registration for 'Rasgulla': Sweet News to be Taken with a Pinch of Salt?
The newsfeeds of Intellectual Property enthusiasts and connoisseurs of fine desserts were recently inundated with news of the Rasgulla being granted Geographical Indication (‘GI’) registration in India. In the midst of all the hype and hoopla, the Chief Minister of West Bengal (a State to the east of India) went on to tweet “Sweet news […]
The Swiss Don’t Miss in Malaysian Geographical Indications Dispute
The apex court of Malaysia – the Federal Court – recently provided its grounds of judgment in Chocosuisse Union Des Fabricants Suisses De Chocolat, Kraft Food Schweiz AG and Nestlé Suisse SA v. Maestro Swiss Chocolate Sdn. Bhd. The decision centred primarily on the tort of extended passing off and the Geographical Indications Act. […]