Geographical Indications Law in Lebanon
Here’s an overview of the Geographical Indications (GI) Law in Lebanon:
🇱🇧 Geographical Indications Law in Lebanon
1. Legal Framework
Lebanon protects Geographical Indications under its Intellectual Property Law, primarily through:
Law No. 75 of 2008 on the Protection of Industrial Property.
This law includes provisions on the protection of appellations of origin and geographical indications.
The law is administered by the Lebanese Directorate of Intellectual Property under the Ministry of Economy and Trade.
2. Definitions
Geographical Indication (GI): A sign used on goods that have a specific geographical origin and possess qualities, reputation, or characteristics essentially attributable to that origin.
Appellation of Origin (AO): A more specific GI where the product’s qualities or characteristics are essentially or exclusively due to the geographical environment, including natural and human factors.
3. Registration and Protection
Applications for GI registration must include:
Identification of the product.
Definition of the geographical area.
Proof that the product’s qualities or reputation relate to its origin.
Specifications for production and quality control.
Upon approval, the GI is registered and published.
Registered GIs receive protection against unauthorized use, imitation, or evocation.
Protection applies within Lebanon’s territory.
4. Duration
GI protection lasts for 10 years from registration.
Can be renewed indefinitely upon request.
5. Rights Granted
Exclusive right for producers within the geographical area to use the GI.
Protection against use by others that could mislead consumers or dilute the GI’s reputation.
6. International Treaties
Lebanon is a party to:
The Agreement on Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS) under the WTO.
The Paris Convention for the Protection of Industrial Property.
Various bilateral and regional agreements covering IP protection.
7. Examples of Lebanese GIs
Some Lebanese products such as Bekaa Valley wines and Zahle grapes have been identified as candidates for GI protection.
8. Enforcement
Enforcement of GI rights can be pursued through administrative actions and the courts.
The Directorate of Intellectual Property oversees compliance and infringement cases.
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