24 October, 2018
As part of Singapore's impending obligations under the EUSFTA, Singapore has passed the Geographical Indications Act 2014 ("GI Act"), which will come into force upon ratification of the EUSFTA. The Geographical Indications Rules ("GI Rules") made under the GI Act will govern operational aspects of the establishment of a new Registry of Geographical Indications ("GI Registry"). The GI Registry will receive applications to register GIs for wine and spirits and other categories of agricultural products and foodstuffs, which will enhance the protection of GIs in Singapore.
The GI Rules include key provisions on the process for application, examination and registration of GIs, dispute resolution procedures and other ancillary rules necessary for the operation of the GI Registry. The GI Rules are drafted similarly to the Trade Marks Rules, which should be familiar to potential GI applicants who are already existing users of the trade mark system. The GI Rules are anticipated to come into force at the same time as the GI Act.
For further information, please contact:
Andy Leck, Principal, Baker & McKenzie.Wong & Leow
andy.leck@bakermckenzie.com
