Japanese GI product names proposed by Japan for protection in the UK: opportunity to object
Read the specifications for 39 Japanese GIs proposed for protection under the UK geographical indications schemes and find out how to object to the proposals.
Documents
Details
The UK-Japan Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) included an agreement to protect some of each other’s geographical indications (GIs), with the option to seek protection for additional GIs.
The Japanese and UK authorities have recently exchanged lists of additional GIs proposed for protection.
The UK competent authority is currently considering the protection of these additional Japanese GIs in the UK.
As part of this process, Defra is giving any country or person with a legitimate interest the opportunity to submit statements of objections to the protection of each individual Japanese GI name.
Notice period to object
You have the opportunity to object to the registration of Japanese GI product names if you have a legitimate interest. The notice period to object:
- opens: 21 December 2021
- closes: 21 February 2022
Reasons to object
Your objection to the registration of Japanese GI product names must be based on at least one of the following reasons. The:
- name is customary in common language in the UK as the generic name for the goods concerned
- name conflicts with the name of a plant variety or an animal breed and as a result is likely to mislead the consumer as to the true origin of the product
- name is identical to, or likely to cause confusion with, a geographical indication that is registered or the subject of a pending application in the UK
- name jeopardises the existence of an entirely or partly identical name or trademark or the existence of products which have been legally on the market for at least 5 years preceding the date of the publication of this consultation
- in the light of a trademark’s reputation and renown and the length of time it has been used, the name is liable to mislead the consumer as to the true identity of the product
How to object
You have 2 months from the date of publication of this consultation to object to the protection of a Japanese GI product name in the UK.
You must complete a statement of objection form for each Japanese GI product name you object to and send it by email to ukgiapplications@defra.gov.uk .
See the list of Japanese GI product specifications.
Defra will send a confirmation message to you when it receives your submission. We may also contact you if we need to clarify matters in your objection.
You must send in your notice of objection by 21 February 2022. If you miss the deadline, Defra will not consider your comments.
Enquiries
Email: ukgiapplications@defra.gov.uk if you have any further questions.