New Measures to Protect Geographical Indications

The State Administration for Industry and Commerce promulgated the symbol for the products with geographical indications (GI) as well as Measures for the Administration of the Special Symbols for Products with Geographical Indication (Measures). The Measures has been in effect since January 30, 2007.

The symbols of GI has Chinese and English names of "Trademark Office of the State Administration for Industry and Commerce", the Chinese characters " (means Chinese Geographical Indications)", and the English letters "GI".

According to the Measures, the symbols may be used by any the collective member of the registrant of a geographical indication or manufacturer or seller of products of a geographical indication authorized by the registrant free of charge. The users should use the special symbol together with the geographical indication.

The special symbols for products with GI is official symbols, therefore, any person or organization who uses the special symbol for product of geographical indication or other representation similar to the special symbol shall be punished by the Administration for Industry and Commerce of the place where the party concerned domicile or the place where the act is committed in light of Trademark Law and Regulations for the Implementation of the Trademark Law.

The symbol for the products with GI