China’s Maturing GI Regime Raises The Stakes For Foreign Brands

For many products, the place is the brand: Scotch whisky, Parma ham, Shaoxing rice wine. Where a product’s quality and reputation come from its origin, the name of that origin is the asset worth defending. As China’s geographical indication (GI) regime matures, international right holders increasingly need to know how such a name is protected in China – and how to secure it. For foreign owners, the principal route is to register the GI as a collective or certification trademark. This article walks through the essential steps and what brand owners should know in practice.

What is a geographical indication?

The basic concept is simple, and familiar to any shopper who chooses Roquefort over an ordinary blue cheese, or Darjeeling over an ordinary black tea. A geographical indication is a sign used on products that have a specific geographical origin and possess qualities or a reputation that are due to that origin.