Registered geographical indications to improve reputation of regional brands
Amendments to the Law of the Republic of Belarus “On geographical indications” are to come into force on August 29th, 2020.
A geographical indication is a sign identifying goods that have a specific geographical origin and possess a given quality, reputation or other characteristic that is essentially attributable to that origin.
Simplifying terms, one can say that any geographical indication includes the name of the place or territory which can mark the good so as to create some obvious association with the place of goods’ manufacturing and its particular features, qualities, reputation or other characteristics.
There are three geographical origins currently registered in the Republic of Belarus: Mineral water “MINSKAYA”, “Lidski kvass” and “LIDSKOE BEER”.
Since date due legislatively set requirements for geographical indications will be streamlined, procedural terms of the GI registration at the National Center of Intellectual Property (NCIP) as the National Patent Office will be clarified.
Granting the right of the GI ownership Belarusian manufacturers will not only sustain their goods’ authenticity and its quality but also contribute into shaping a positive image of their region, town, village and the country in general. Taking into account the fact of visa-free entry to Belarus for certain groups of foreigners additional options for developing tourist and hospitality business will become available. This will help in promoting their own brands, unfold the uniqueness of historical, cultural and spiritual heritage in Belarus.
We are completely confident in high demand for Belarusian products manufactured at numerous enterprises over the external markets. Granting the right of GI use will let Belarusian manufacturers later get registration in other countries with export flows.
The NCIP arranges various training courses covering the issues of IP management, national and international registration procedure including the GIs for any staff of both governmental bodies and public companies.
Additionally, readers can get plentiful information from articles published by local and foreign scientists and practitioners about development of national legislation, international co-operation, legal protection of creative work, civil circulation of IP objects, IP commercialisation and assessment.
You can find full information about the training courses arranged by the NCIP as well as information about the scientific and practical journal “Intellectual Property in Belarus” on the NCIP’s official Internet website.
