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Dez 03, 2012
Eben van Wyk, Spoor & Fisher, South Africa
John Foster, Spoor & Fisher, South Africa

China Recognises "Napa Valley" as Geographical Indicato...


Eben van Wyk, Spoor & Fisher, South Africa, John Foster, Spoor & Fisher, South AfricaIt has recently been announced that the Napa Valley has been granted geographical indicator (“GI”) status by the People’s Republic of China, making it the first wine region outside China to be granted this recognition.
The Napa Valley is an internationally renowned wine growing area located in Napa County, California, United States. The growers and vintners of the 435 wineries situated in the Napa Valley are known for their wine making methods that combine cutting-edge science and traditional techniques. The name “Napa Valley” is therefore indicative of a geographical region in the US where wines with specific characteristics are produced. This is known as a “geographical term” or “geographical indicator”.
As a general rule, a trade mark cannot be registered – or offered any form of protection – unless it is capable of distinguishing the goods or services of the applicant from the goods or services of another.  read more