The EU and China reached a historical agreement to protect 100 European Geographical Indications (GI) in China and 100 Chinese GIs in the EU against imitation and usurpation.
The list of European GIs which will enjoy industrial property protection in China includes iconic products, such as Parmiggiano Reggiano, Roquefort, Irish whiskey, Kalamata olives, Českobudějovické beer, Tuscan wine, among many other wines, agri-food products and spirit drinks. Protection in China is crucial for EU producers – the Chinese market is already the second biggest market for EU agri-food products with even more growth expected due to the expansion of the Chinese middle-class consumer base.
Chinese traditional products like Pixian Bean Paste, Anji White Tea, Pizhou Garlic and Panjin rice will equally be protected in the EU.
Producers both from China and the EU, as well as their associations, will be able to take all measures under the applicable industrial property laws to defend their rights against infrigers of the GIs.
Full lists of the protected GIs may be found here:
Questions or need assistance with defending your rights? Contact us