Geographical Indications Law in Syria
Syria provides legal protection for Geographical Indications (GIs) under Law No. 8 of 2007, titled "Law for the Protection of Distinctive Marks, Geographical Indications, and Industrial Designs and Models," which came into effect on April 12, 2007
📜 Legal Framework
Law No. 8 of 2007 offers a comprehensive structure for the protection of GIs, trademarks, and industrial designs. The law defines a geographical indication as an indication that identifies a good as originating in a specific territory, region, or locality, where a given quality, reputation, or other characteristic of the good is essentially attributable to its geographical origin.
The Executive Regulations of this law, issued on April 15, 2007, provide detailed procedures for the registration and enforcement of GIs .
🛡️ Protection and Enforcement
The law prohibits the unauthorized use of GIs that mislead the public regarding the true origin of goods. It also prevents the registration of trademarks that contain or consist of GIs for goods not originating from the designated area, if such use would mislead the public.
Enforcement mechanisms include administrative actions by the Commercial and Industrial Property Protection Directorate under the Ministry of Economy and Trade, as well as legal proceedings in competent courts.
🌍 International Context
Syria is a member of the Paris Convention for the Protection of Industrial Property and the Madrid Agreement Concerning the International Registration of Marks, which facilitate international cooperation in the protection of intellectual property rights, including GIs
Syria has identified several products for GI protection, particularly in the olive oil sector. A study by the International Olive Oil Council highlighted potential GIs such as
Baraa
Alkhawzer
Charki
Moutawassiti
These designations correspond to specific regions known for producing virgin olive oils with distinct qualities .
RELATED Blog
0 comments