Geographical Indications Law in Iran
Here’s an overview of the Geographical Indications (GI) Law in Iran:
🇮🇷 Geographical Indications Law in Iran
1. Legal Framework
Iran protects GIs primarily under its Intellectual Property Law, particularly the Law for the Protection of Geographical Indications and Appellations of Origin enacted in 2008.
The law is administered by the Iranian Intellectual Property Office (IIPO), under the Industrial Property Registry Office.
Iran is also a member of several international IP treaties that influence GI protection, including the TRIPS Agreement.
2. Definitions
Geographical Indication (GI): A sign used on products that originate in a specific territory and possess qualities, reputation, or characteristics essentially attributable to that geographical origin.
Appellation of Origin (AO): A subtype of GI where the product's qualities or characteristics result exclusively or essentially from the geographical environment, including natural and human factors.
3. Protection Scope
Covers agricultural products, foodstuffs, handicrafts, and industrial products.
Examples of potential GI products in Iran include Pistachios of Rafsanjan, Saffron of Khorasan, and Persian carpets.
4. Registration Process
Applicants (groups of producers, cooperatives, or government bodies) submit an application to the Iranian Intellectual Property Office.
Required documents include:
Description of the product and geographical area.
Evidence linking the product’s qualities to the geographical origin.
Production standards and control mechanisms.
The application undergoes examination, and upon approval, the GI is published for opposition.
If no valid opposition arises, the GI is registered.
5. Rights Conferred
Exclusive right to use the GI by producers located within the defined geographical area.
Prohibition of unauthorized use, imitation, or evocation of the GI.
Protection helps prevent unfair competition and misleading consumers.
6. Duration and Renewal
Protection is granted for an initial period (typically 10 years) and renewable indefinitely.
7. International Treaties
Iran is a member of the World Trade Organization (WTO) and complies with the TRIPS Agreement.
Iran cooperates with the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) on GI matters.
8. Enforcement
Enforcement mechanisms exist at administrative and judicial levels.
Legal actions can be taken against infringements and misuse.
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