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Blogs by channel: Geographical indications/appellations of origin

"Overly strict" Swiss IPO may drive away Madrid applicants
Switzerland - Swiss brand owners may consider filing Madrid System applications outside their home jurisdiction as a way of circumventing "overly strict" interpretation of the domestic trademarks law, WTR has been told.

Posted by Latest news, on Nov 20 2009

ECJ rules for a second time in Austrian BUD battle
European Union - Following a second preliminary reference from a court in Vienna in a dispute over rights in Austria to the name Bud for beer, the ECJ has clarified the guidance it issued in response to the first reference. The decision may open the door for Anheuser-Busch InBev to sell its BUD-marked beer in Austria.

Posted by Latest news, on Sep 08 2009

German brewers vow to fight on despite ECJ ruling
European Union - Bavarian brewers' federation Bayerischer Brauerbund has hailed today's European ruling in the long-running battle over use of the name Bavaria a "milestone" victory - although the result seems to go against the body. The dispute pitches BB's rights in a protected geographical indication against Dutch brewery Bavaria's rights in the BAVARIA mark.

Posted by Latest news, on Jul 02 2009

China and Japan sign IP rights cooperation agreement
International - Ministers from China and Japan have announced plans to cooperate on the protection of IP rights in an effort to strengthen economic stability in the region. The move could have a major impact on the laws and strategies of both jurisdictions.

Posted by Latest news, on Jun 09 2009

US wineries in trademark battle with EU
United States - Hundreds of US wine makers have urged the US government to take action to prevent the European Union from forcing them to stop using long-established brands on imports into Europe.

Posted by Latest news, on May 22 2009

Setback for Budvar in GI battle with Budweiser
European Union - The attempts of Budejovický Budvar to enforce geographical indication protection for its BUD mark in Austria have been hit following an opinion from the ECJ’s advocate general.

Posted by Latest news, on Feb 09 2009

Arab states move to strengthen GI protection
International - Lebanon hit the headlines recently after becoming embroiled with Israel in a spat over the recipe for hummus, claiming it owned IP rights in the product. As the debate continues, practitioners across the Arab world are busy collecting data on what should be protected as geographical indications, and establishing a society for the cause.

Posted by Adam Smith, on Dec 10 2008