Geographical Indications Law in Austria
Geographical Indications (GIs) in Austria are regulated within the framework of European Union (EU) law and complemented by national legislation. Here's a breakdown of the legal regime governing GIs in Austria:
1. EU Framework (Applicable in Austria)
As an EU member, Austria follows the EU's comprehensive legal framework for the protection of geographical indications. The key EU regulations include:
a. Regulation (EU) No. 1151/2012
Covers agricultural products and foodstuffs.
Protects:
Protected Designation of Origin (PDO)
Protected Geographical Indication (PGI)
Traditional Speciality Guaranteed (TSG)
b. Regulation (EU) No. 1308/2013
Covers wine sector GIs.
c. Regulation (EU) No. 110/2008 (now replaced by (EU) 2019/787)
Covers spirit drinks.
These regulations offer protection throughout the EU and ensure that only products genuinely originating in a specific region are allowed to be identified as such.
2. Austrian National Law
Austria complements EU laws with national regulations. These include:
a. Markenschutzgesetz 1970 (Trademark Protection Act)
Incorporates provisions for protecting geographical indications and designations of origin via trademarks, especially for products not covered under the EU GI system.
b. Weingesetz 2009 (Wine Law)
Implements EU wine regulations.
Establishes detailed rules for Austrian wines with protected designations like "DAC" (Districtus Austriae Controllatus).
c. Spirituosenverordnung (Ordinance on Spirits)
Enforces EU rules on geographical indications for spirits.
3. Enforcement and Control
AMA (Agrarmarkt Austria): Key regulatory authority managing GIs for food and agricultural products.
Austrian Patent Office: Handles trademark-based protection, including certification marks related to GIs.
Inspection bodies: Ensure compliance with product specifications and proper use of GIs.
4. Examples of Austrian GIs
Steirisches Kürbiskernöl g.g.A. (Styrian Pumpkin Seed Oil – PGI)
Tiroler Speck g.g.A.
Vorarlberger Bergkäse g.U. (PDO cheese)
Wachauer Marille g.U. (PDO apricots)
Wiener Wein DAC
5. International Protection
Austria benefits from EU international agreements (e.g., CETA, EU-China GI Agreement), which extend GI protection to third countries.
GIs can also be protected under the Lisbon Agreement (via EU participation in the Geneva Act).
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