Prosecco – A Registered Geographical Indication In Singapore

Introduction

Geographical Indications (GIs) are indications used to identify products which originate from a particular territory which gives the relevant products their special quality or reputation. Singapore has a legislative framework for the protection of GIs under the Geographical Indications Act 2014 (GIA) and has started accepted GIs for registration since the launch of the Singapore Geographical Indications Register in 2019. As part of the registration procedure, third parties can oppose the registration of a GI application upon its publication. The recent case of Consorzio di Tutela della Denominazione di Origine Controllata Prosecco v Australian Grape and Wine Incorporated [2023] SGCA 37 (Consorzio v AGWI) arose from an opposition under the GIA and marks the first time that the Singapore Court of Appeal (SGCA) had to consider the operation and interpretation of various provisions under the GIA.