Geographical Indications Law in Honduras
Here is an overview of the Geographical Indications (GI) law in Honduras:
🇭🇳 Geographical Indications Law in Honduras
1. Legal Framework
Honduras has a formal legal system for the protection of Geographical Indications, mainly based on:
Industrial Property Law (Ley de Propiedad Industrial), Decree No. 12-99-E (1999)
Regulations of the Industrial Property Law (Reglamento de la Ley de Propiedad Industrial)
TRIPS Agreement (WTO) — Honduras is a WTO member and complies with the Agreement on Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights
These legal instruments provide for the registration and protection of:
Denomination of Origin (Denominación de Origen, DO)
Geographical Indications (Indicación Geográfica, IG)
2. Responsible Authority
The government body responsible for GI registration and enforcement in Honduras is:
Dirección General de Propiedad Intelectual (DIGEPIH)
(General Directorate of Intellectual Property)
Under the Ministry of Economic Development (Secretaría de Desarrollo Económico)
Website: https://www.miempresa.gob.hn
3. Types of Protection
| Type | Description |
|---|---|
| Indicación Geográfica (IG) | Identifies a product from a specific place where a given quality or reputation is linked to the geographic origin |
| Denominación de Origen (DO) | Stricter form of GI, where the product's characteristics are exclusively or essentially due to its geographical environment |
4. Registration Process
Application Submission: File an application with DIGEPIH.
Examination: Legal and substantive examination of:
Product specifications
Geographic link
Evidence of reputation or qualities
Publication: Application is published for opposition.
Opposition Period: Third parties may file objections.
Registration and Certificate: If no opposition or after resolution, GI is granted and published.
5. Protection and Enforcement
Once registered, unauthorized use of a GI or DO is prohibited.
Violators may face administrative penalties, civil lawsuits, and criminal sanctions.
GIs are protected indefinitely as long as the conditions of use are maintained.
6. Examples of GIs in Honduras
Café Marcala (Denominación de Origen – DO):
This was the first registered DO in Honduras, referring to high-quality coffee produced in the Marcala region.
Recognized nationally and internationally.
Known for its unique flavor due to the specific climate, altitude, and processing methods.
Summary Table
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| National GI Law | Industrial Property Law (Decree No. 12-99-E) |
| International Obligations | TRIPS (WTO), Paris Convention |
| Responsible Authority | DIGEPIH (Dirección General de Propiedad Intelectual) |
| Types of Protection | Indicación Geográfica (IG), Denominación de Origen (DO) |
| Protection Duration | Indefinite (subject to conditions) |
| Notable Example | Café Marcala (DO) |
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