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#Wine1: Châteauneuf-du-Pape celebrates its 80th anniversary
This year, “Châteauneuf-du-Pape” (a member of oriGIn) and “Tavel” celebrate the 80th anniversary of their recognition.
Among the various initiatives organised at this occasion, on 21 April, a conference will be held at the University of Avignon (France) to discuss GI systems from an historical perspective as well as the major challenges GIs face in the 21st century. As any other major event on GIs, oriGIn will participate in this conference to discuss the major concerns for GIs in terms of protection at the international level and on the Internet.
For more information see the program (only in French)
#Wine2: Exchange with Commissioner Hogan on opportunities and challenges for the sector
On 8 March, oriGIn attended a meeting with the Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development Mr. Phil Hogan, held at the European Parliament in Strasbourg to discuss the opportunities and challenges for the wine sector (as well as the spirit drinks sector) in the EU. Mr. Hogan expressed the EU commitment to continue to promote the export through promotion, the reduction of tariffs barriers and the protection PDO and PGI in third markets via bilateral agreements (conclusion of the TTIP in particular). With respect to simplification, Mr. Hogan explained that the Commission is still in a preliminary phase of discussion. Its objective is not the ‘de-regulation’ of the sector or the weakening of PDO and PGI protection, but rather the reduction of administrative burdens and the strengthening of legal certainty.
The speech of Commissioner Hogan is available @ http://ec.europa.eu/agriculture/commissioner-speeches/pdf/hogan-2016-03-08-strasbourg_en.pdf
#Legal1: “Kampot pepper” recognised in the EU
In February, “Kampot pepper” became the first Cambodian GI to be registered in the EU (currently it is also protected in Thailand and Vietnam).
The “Kampot pepper” production zone is located in the south of Cambodia, in the Kampong Trach, Dan Tong, Toeuk Chhou, Chhouk, Chouk Districts and Kampot City of Kampot Province, Kep City and Damnak Changaer District of Kep Province. “Kampot pepper” is known for the mildness of its spice, the freshness and complexity of its aromas and its lingering taste.
More information @ http://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/PDF/?uri=CELEX:52015XC0813(01)&from=FR
#Legal2: Scotch Whisky strengthens protection in export markets
In February, “Scotch Whisky” has been recognised as a GI in Mozambique. After securing protection in Botswana and within the 17 countries of the “Organisation Africaine de la Propriété Intellectuelle” (OAPI), this is another success for the Scotch Whisky Association (SWA) – a member of oriGIn – which is quite active in protection efforts Africa, as the continent becomes richer, more urbanised and therefore more attractive as an export market.
More information @ http://www.scotch-whisky.org.uk/news-publications/news/scotch-whisky-gets-top-legal-protection-in-mozambique/#.Vs3GdZzhCM8
Meanwhile in India – a very promising market for spirits – “Scotch Whisky” is confronted several unfair and misleading practices. In this respect, under the new India’s Commercial Court rules, court proceedings were recently brought against three companies– Oasis Distilleries Ltd, Adie Broswon Distilleries & Bottlers Pvt and Malbros International Pvt Ltdsold selling whiskies (“Royal Arms”, “Blue Patrol” and “Malbros”) with references to “Scotch”, “Scotch Whisky” and “Scotland on their labels. In February, the court prohibited the defendants from selling in India whiskies not complying with the GI product specifications with reference to Scotland (“Scotch Whisky” is protected under the India GI Act).
More information @ http://www.scotch-whisky.org.uk/news-publications/blog/legal-breakthrough-for-scotch-in-india/#.VtVsuZzhCM-
#Legal3: First GIs registered under the new GI Act in Japan
Since the Act for Protection of Designated Agricultural, Forestry and Fishery Products and Foodstuffs (the GI Act) entered in to force in Japan on 1 June 2015 (see oriGIn Alerts 11 June 2015), 10 Japanese GIs have been registered, among them: Aomori cassis from Higashiao region, Tajima Beef and Kobe beef from the Hyogo Prefecture, Yubari melons from the northern of island of Hokkaido. The Ministry of Agriculture of Japan (MAFF) is actively promoting the recognition of GIs to increase demand for premium farm products inside Japan and in foreign markets.
The Registry is also open to foreign GIs: detailed information on the new Japanese GI system are available @ http://www.maff.go.jp/e/japan_food/gi_act/index.html
