Geographical indications in Singapore

Geographical Indications in Singapore are a form of intellectual property consisting of an "indication used in trade to identify goods as originating from a place", provided that "a given quality, reputation or other characteristic of the goods is essentially attributable to that place".[1] Geographical indications originating from any member of the Paris Convention or the WTO can be registered. As of August 2021, 142 Indications have been registered.[2] Geographical indications are registered for a renewable term of 10 years.

Geographical indications can be registered based on the Geographical Indications Act 2014[1] and the Geographical Indications Rules 2019.[3] The Act replaced the Geographical Indications Act and introduced the registration system. The legislation was aimed at providing protection according to the minimum standards in the TRIPS agreement and to implement a registration system according to the requirements set in the European Union–Singapore Free Trade Agreement.[4] The act entered into force on 1st April 2019.[1]

Registered Geographical Indications

As of August 2021, 166 Geographical Indications had been registered, none of which originating from Singapore. As Singapore had committed to protection of 100 EU Geographical Indications, the majority stems from EU countries. The breakdown by country of origin is shown below:

Countries of origin for Singapore registered Geographical Indications[2]
Country Number of registrations Date of first registration Examples
Austria 5 2019 Tiroler Speck
Belgium 1 2019 Korn/Kornbrand (with Austria and Germany)
Cyprus 4 2019 Ούζο/Ouzo (with Greece)
Czech Republic 3 2019 České pivo
Denmark 1 2019 Danablu
Finland 2 2019 Suomalainen Vodka/Finsk Vodka/Vodka of Finland
France 43 2019 Roquefort
Germany 9 2019 Lübecker Marzipan
Greece 5 2019 Φέτα/Feta
Hungary 4 2019 Pálinka
Ireland 2 2019 Irish cream
Italy 44 2019 Gorgonzola
Japan 1 2020 市田柿/Ichida Gaki/Ichida Kaki
Poland 1 2019 Polska Wódka/Polish Vodka
Portugal 6 2019 Douro
Romania 3 2019 Dealu Mare
Spain 31 2019 Rioja
Sweden 2 2019 Svensk Vodka/Swedish Vodka
United Kingdom 1 2019 Irish Whiskey/Uisce Beatha Eireannach/Irish Whisky (with Ireland)

As of August 2023, one Geographical Indication application is still pending, as a result of opposition proceedings: Prosecco (initiated by Australian Grape and Wine Incorporated).[2]

Types

According to the Schedule to the act, 14 food categories are distinguished:

  1. Wines
  2. Spirits
  3. Beers
  4. Cheese
  5. Meat and meat products
  6. Seafood
  7. Edible oils
  8. Non-edible oils
  9. Fruits
  10. Vegetables
  11. Spices and condiments
  12. Confectionery and baked goods
  13. Flowers and parts of flowers
  14. Natural gum

References

  1. ^ a b c "Geographical Indications Act 2014 (No. 19 of 2014)". Singapore Statutes Online. Retrieved 30 August 2021.
  2. ^ a b c "Public Search and Enquiry/eAlert". IP2SG. Retrieved 30 August 2021.
  3. ^ "Geographical Indications Act 2014 (act 19 of 2014) Geographical Indications Rules 2019". Singapore Statutes Online. Retrieved 30 August 2021.
  4. ^ "Geographical indications bill. Bill No 13.2014" (PDF). Parliament of Singapore. Retrieved 30 August 2021.