Singapore – IPOS To Accept Applications For Registration Of Geographical Indications.

On 1 April 2019, the Registry of Geographical Indications at the Intellectual Property Office of Singapore ("IPOS") commenced operations to accept worldwide applications for the registration of geographical indications ("GI").

 

A GI refers to an indication used in trade to identify a good as originating from a particular geographical origin, which gives a certain quality, reputation or other characteristic to the good. Examples of GIs include "Champagne" wine from France and "Kampot" pepper from Cambodia.

 

This development follows from Singapore's commitments under the European Union-Singapore Free Trade Agreement ("EUSFTA"), which introduces enhanced levels of protection to GIs in Singapore that will be rolled out in stages.

 

Applicants will be required to specify the quality, reputation or characteristics of the goods and how it is attributable to the geographical origin. GI applications will be subject to a similar examination and opposition procedure as trademarks.

 

With the commencement of the new GI Registry, GI protection has also been extended to a greater range of goods. Previously available only for wines and spirits, GIs may now be registered for additional categories of agricultural products and foodstuff, such as cheeses, seafood and cured meats.

 

Border enforcement measures will also be enhanced within three years of the EUSFTA coming into force. Under the enhanced measures, producers and traders of registered GIs may request for customs authorities to detain suspected infringing goods that are to be imported or exported out of Singapore.