Registration of geographical indications will enhance the image of regional brands

On August 29 of the current year, amendments to the Law of the Republic of Belarus "On Geographical Indications" come into force.

A geographical indication is an object of intellectual property, which is a designation that identifies a good as originating from the territory of a specific geographical object, if the quality, reputation, or other characteristics of the good are largely determined by its geographical origin.

In simpler terms, a geographical indication contains the name of a settlement or locality, which can be used on a product to create a clear association in consumers' minds between the place of production of the product and its special properties, quality, reputation, or other characteristics.

In the Republic of Belarus, there are currently only three registered national geographical indications: Mineral Water "MINSKAYA", Lidsky Kvass, and Lidskoye Pivo.

From August 29, 2020

geographical indications are simplified by law, the procedure for registering a geographical indication is specified, which is carried out by the National Center for Intellectual Property (hereinafter referred to as NCIP), which is the patent office of the Republic of Belarus.

Having obtained the right to use a geographical indication, a Belarusian manufacturer will not only confirm the originality of its product and its quality, but also contribute to the formation of a positive image of its region, city, village, and country as a whole. And considering the fact that a visa-free regime for foreign citizens has been introduced in our state for certain territories, additional tools are opening up for the development of the tourism business with further promotion of its regional brand, revealing the uniqueness of the historical, cultural and spiritual heritage of Belarus.

It can be said with full confidence that the products of many Belarusian enterprises are in high demand in the markets of other countries. Obtaining the right to use Belarusian geographical indications will allow domestic producers to subsequently obtain registration in other countries where the specified products are exported.

To obtain the necessary knowledge in the field of intellectual property management,to familiarize themselves with the procedures for national and international registration of intellectual property objects, including geographical indications, managers and specialists of enterprises and organizations of any form of ownership can attend training courses organized at NCIS.

In addition, on the pages of the scientific and practical journal "Intellectual Property in Belarus", founded by the  State Committee on Science and Technology and NCIS, readers can find publications by domestic and foreign scientists and practitioners on issues of developing national legislation, international cooperation in the field of intellectual property, legal protection of the results of creative work, introduction of intellectual property objects into civil circulation, their commercialization and valuation.

A list of educational courses conducted by NCIS, as well as information about the scientific and practical journal "Intellectual Property in Belarus" can be found on the official website of NCIS on the Internet at ncip.by.