Introduction to Geographical Indications

What is a Geographical Indication?

It refers to an indication used in trade to identify a product that originates from a particular territory, which has given the product its special quality or reputation. Well-known GIs include:

Type: Wine, Origin: Champagne

Type: Spirit, Origin: Tequila

Type: Cheese, Origin: Roquefort

Type: Tea, Origin: Darjeeling

Type: Pepper, Origin: Kampot

Type: Rice, Origin: Hom Mali

Each of these products exhibits a specific quality or reputation that is attributable to its territory of origin.

Here are the benefits and term of protection of geographical indications:

Benefits

A GI gives assurance to consumers that the product they buy comes from a particular place and has unique characteristics or qualities associated with the GI. It differentiates the product identified by the GI from other products that are not labelled with the GI.

Once a GI is registered in Singapore, it enjoys enhanced protection where GI labels cannot be used on products which do not come from the place indicated by the GI, even if consumers are not misled as to the true geographical origin of the goods in question.

Term of protection

Once a GI is registered, it will be protected for 10 years from the date of registration. The registration may be renewed upon its expiry every 10 years.

How to register

The registration process can be broken down into 3 steps:

• Step 1: Check registration criteria for a Geographical Indication

• Step 2: Apply for a Geographical Indication

• Step 3: Forms and fees for new applications