Georgian GI Product Names Proposed by Georgia for Protection in the UK: Opportunity to Appeal

The Strategic Partnership and Cooperation Agreement between the UK and Georgia included an agreement to protect some of each other’s geographical indications, with the option to request protection of other geographical indications.

The Georgian and British authorities have recently exchanged lists of additional geographical indications proposed for protection.

The UK Competent Authority is currently considering protecting these additional Georgian Geographical Indications in the UK.

As part of this process, Defra gives any country or person with a legitimate interest the opportunity to submit objection statements to the protection of each and every Georgian GI name.

Deadline for objection

You have the opportunity to object to the registration of Georgian GI product names if you have a legitimate interest. The objection period is:

  • Opening: April 24, 2023
  • Closes: July 24, 2023

grounds for objection

Your objection to the registration of Georgian GI product names must be based on at least one of the following grounds. The:

  • The name conflicts with the name of a plant variety, including a wine grape variety, or an animal breed and may therefore mislead the consumer as to the true origin of the product

  • The name is identical or likely to cause confusion with a geographical indication that is registered in the UK or is the subject of a pending application

  • The name jeopardizes the existence of a wholly or partially identical name or trademark or the existence of products that have been lawfully on the market for at least 5 years prior to the date of publication of this consultation

  • The name can mislead the consumer as to the true identity of the product (given a brand’s reputation and awareness, as well as the length of time it has been used).

  • The name is common in general usage as a generic name for the goods in question

How to disagree

You have three months from the date of publication of this consultation to object to the protection of a Georgian GI product name in the UK.

You must complete an objection form for each Georgian GI product name you object to and email it to ukgiapplications@defra.gov.uk.

Check out the list of Georgian GI product specifications.

Defra will send you a confirmation message when your submission is received. We may also contact you if we need to clarify questions about your objection.

You must submit your appeal by July 24, 2023. If you miss the deadline, Defra will not consider your comments.

Requests

Email: ukgiapplications@defra.gov.uk if you have any further questions.