Geographical Indications Law in Belize
Geographical Indications Law in Belize
Geographical Indications (GIs) in Belize are protected as a form of intellectual property under a dedicated national law that is in line with international obligations, especially the WTO TRIPS Agreement.
1. Primary Legal Instrument
Geographical Indications Act, Chapter 254 (Revised Edition 2000)
Enacted in 2000, this Act provides the framework for the registration and protection of GIs in Belize.
The Act defines geographical indications as indications which identify a product as originating in a territory or region, where a given quality, reputation, or characteristic is essentially attributable to that origin.
2. Administration and Registration
Administered by: Belize Intellectual Property Office (BELIPO)
BELIPO is responsible for managing the registration, examination, and enforcement of GIs in Belize.
Registration Requirements:
The product must have a specific quality, reputation, or characteristic linked to its geographic origin.
Applicants must file a request with detailed product specifications, including the geographic area, production methods, and reputation or quality links.
Term of Protection:
Initial registration is valid for 10 years.
It can be renewed indefinitely in additional 10-year increments.
3. Scope of Protection
The Act provides protection against:
Misuse or imitation of a registered GI.
Use that misleads the public as to the origin of the goods.
Use that constitutes unfair competition.
Use that damages the reputation of the GI.
The law also includes provisions on homonymous geographical indications, offering solutions where similar-sounding names from different regions exist.
4. International Agreements
Belize is a member of the following international treaties:
World Trade Organization (WTO) – TRIPS Agreement compliant.
Paris Convention for the Protection of Industrial Property.
CARICOM – In regional discussions on GI harmonization and protection.
Belize has not acceded to the Lisbon Agreement on Appellations of Origin, but the national law supports strong GI protection consistent with TRIPS.
5. Examples of Potential/Recognized GIs in Belize
While Belize is still developing its GI registry, there are several products with potential GI value:
Belizean cacao – Grown in the Toledo District, known for its high-quality organic characteristics.
Marie Sharp’s pepper sauces – Though protected as trademarks, they exemplify GI potential due to local reputation.
Belizean rum – Derived from local sugar cane and unique aging conditions.
Summary
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Law | Geographical Indications Act (2000) |
| Authority | Belize Intellectual Property Office (BELIPO) |
| Protection Term | 10 years, renewable |
| Legal Basis | TRIPS-compliant |
| Protection Scope | Prevents misuse, unfair competition |
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