Geographical Indications Law in Slovenia
Here’s an overview of the Geographical Indications (GI) Law in Slovenia:
🇸🇮 Geographical Indications Law in Slovenia
1. Legal Framework
Slovenia protects Geographical Indications primarily under European Union law, as Slovenia is an EU member state.
The main legal basis is EU Regulation (EU) No 1151/2012 on quality schemes for agricultural products and foodstuffs.
At the national level, Slovenia implements these EU rules through its Act on the Protection of Geographical Indications and Traditional Specialties and related intellectual property legislation.
2. Definition of Geographical Indications
Geographical Indication (GI): A name or sign used on products that originate from a specific geographical area, where the product has a quality, reputation, or characteristic attributable to that origin.
EU distinctions apply:
Protected Designation of Origin (PDO)
Protected Geographical Indication (PGI)
Traditional Specialty Guaranteed (TSG)
3. Registration Process
Applications for GI registration can be filed with:
The Slovenian Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Food for national protection.
Or directly with the European Commission for EU-wide protection.
The application requires:
A detailed description of the product.
Delimitation of the geographical area.
Evidence of the link between the product and its geographical origin.
Production specifications and quality control measures.
The application undergoes examination and opposition before registration.
4. Protection
Registered GIs grant exclusive rights to producers in the defined geographical area.
Protection prohibits misuse, imitation, or evocation of the GI.
Enforcement occurs via national courts and under EU regulations.
5. Duration
GI protection lasts indefinitely, with renewal required every 10 years under EU law.
6. International Agreements
Slovenia, as an EU member, is bound by:
The TRIPS Agreement through the EU.
The Paris Convention for the Protection of Industrial Property.
Slovenia also benefits from international GI protection systems via the EU.
7. Examples
Slovenia has several GIs registered under the EU system, including wines, cheeses, and other traditional food products.
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