Geographical Indications Law in Latvia
Latvia's legal framework for the protection of Geographical Indications (GIs) is primarily governed by the Law on Trademarks and Indications of Geographical Origin, which was adopted on June 16, 1999, and came into force on July 15, 1999. This law regulates the registration, use, and protection of trademarks and GIs in Latvia. It has been amended several times, with the most recent amendments coming into effect on March 7, 2023.
🇱🇻 Key Provisions of the GI Law in Latvia
Definition of Geographical Indication: The law defines a geographical indication as a sign used to indicate, directly or indirectly, the geographical origin of goods or services, including indications of the characteristics or features thereof, which are attributable to this origin.
Eligibility for Registration: Natural and legal persons of Latvia are entitled to register, use, and protect trademarks and GIs, as well as other signs used in commercial activities in other countries in accordance with the laws of the respective countries and international agreements.
Regulatory Authority: The Patent Office of the Republic of Latvia is the central authority responsible for the registration and protection of GIs in Latvia.
📝 Registration Process for GIs
The registration process for GIs in Latvia is governed by the Regulations No. 767 of December 22, 2015, which prescribe the procedures for the registration, protection, and supervision of GIs, designations of origin, and traditional specialties guaranteed of agricultural products and foodstuffs.
Steps in the Registration Process:
Application Submission: A group wishing to register a GI must submit an application to the Food and Veterinary Service, including a product specification and evidence of the link between the product's characteristics and its geographical origin.
Examination: The Food and Veterinary Service examines the application to ensure it meets the requirements laid down in the relevant EU regulations.
Publication and Opposition: If the application is accepted, it is published to allow for any oppositions.
Verification: The Food and Veterinary Service verifies that the product complies with the specification
Certification: If the product meets all requirements, a conformity certificate is issued.
🇪🇺 Alignment with EU Legislation
Latvia's GI protection system is aligned with EU regulations, particularly:
Regulation (EU) No 1151/2012: On quality schemes for agricultural products and foodstuffs.
Regulation (EU) No 110/2008: On the definition, description, presentation, labelling, and the protection of geographical indications of spirit drinks.(WIPO)
These regulations ensure that GIs in Latvia are protected against misuse or imitation and guarantee the true origin of the product to consumers. (European Union)
📌 Notable GI-Registered Products in Latvia
Rucava White Butter: A traditional cow's milk butter produced in Rucava, Latvia, since the early 20th century. It received Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) status in the European Union in 2018.
Latvijas Lielie Pelēkie Zirņi: A traditional Latvian dish made from large grey peas, registered as a PDO in 2015.
For more detailed information or to initiate a GI registration in Latvia, you can visit the Patent Office of the Republic of Latvia's official website.Latvia's legal framework for the protection of Geographical Indications (GIs) is primarily governed by the Law on Trademarks and Indications of Geographical Origin, which was adopted on June 16, 1999, and came into force on July 15, 1999. This law regulates the registration, use, and protection of trademarks and GIs in Latvia. It has been amended several times, with the most recent amendments coming into effect on March 7, 2023.
🇱🇻 Key Provisions of the GI Law in Latvia
Definition of Geographical Indication: The law defines a geographical indication as a sign used to indicate, directly or indirectly, the geographical origin of goods or services, including indications of the characteristics or features thereof, which are attributable to this origin.
Eligibility for Registration: Natural and legal persons of Latvia are entitled to register, use, and protect trademarks and GIs, as well as other signs used in commercial activities in other countries in accordance with the laws of the respective countries and international agreements.
Regulatory Authority: The Patent Office of the Republic of Latvia is the central authority responsible for the registration and protection of GIs in Latvia.
📝 Registration Process for GIs
The registration process for GIs in Latvia is governed by the Regulations No. 767 of December 22, 2015, which prescribe the procedures for the registration, protection, and supervision of GIs, designations of origin, and traditional specialties guaranteed of agricultural products and foodstuffs.
Steps in the Registration Process:
Application Submission: A group wishing to register a GI must submit an application to the Food and Veterinary Service, including a product specification and evidence of the link between the product's characteristics and its geographical origin.
Examination: The Food and Veterinary Service examines the application to ensure it meets the requirements laid down in the relevant EU regulations.
Publication and Opposition: If the application is accepted, it is published to allow for any oppositions.
Verification: The Food and Veterinary Service verifies that the product complies with the specification.
Certification: If the product meets all requirements, a conformity certificate is issued.
🇪🇺 Alignment with EU Legislation
Latvia's GI protection system is aligned with EU regulations, particularly:
Regulation (EU) No 1151/2012: On quality schemes for agricultural products and foodstuffs.
Regulation (EU) No 110/2008: On the definition, description, presentation, labelling, and the protection of geographical indications of spirit drinks.
These regulations ensure that GIs in Latvia are protected against misuse or imitation and guarantee the true origin of the product to consumers
📌 Notable GI-Registered Products in Latvia
Rucava White Butter: A traditional cow's milk butter produced in Rucava, Latvia, since the early 20th century. It received Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) status in the European Union in 2018.
Latvijas Lielie Pelēkie Zirņi: A traditional Latvian dish made from large grey peas, registered as a PDO in 2015.
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