China Commence Using Exclusive Sign for Goods of Geographic Indications

March 29, 2007

Recently, State Administration for Industry & Commerce has formally publicized exclusive sign for goods of geographic indications and simultaneously promulgated Regulation on Exclusive Sign for Goods of Geographic Indications, which has been come into effect as of January 30, 2007. The collective members of the registrant of geographic indications approved by the Chinese Trademark Office under State Administration for Industry & Commerce (hereafter referred as the CTMO) or the producers or operators licensed by the registrant are entitled to use the exclusive sign. The exclusive signs are to be used with geographic indications and the users do not need to pay any fees.

By the end of 2006, registered trademarks consisting of geographic indications have gone up to 219. The goods protected by geographic indications are mainly agricultural goods with some kind of characteristics. Geographic indications have become important drive for peasants to increase income. However, due to indistinctive difference in the process of use between registered geographic indications and other common trademarks, which is not convenient for the recognition of consumers nor for the protection of registered geographic indications, the CTMO decides to set up exclusive sign for goods of geographic indications and further to protect the legitimate interests and rights of consumers and exclusive right of registrant of geographic indications.