Geographical indications

Getting started

Geographical indications (GIs) help to geographically “brand” a product and differentiate it from similar products produced in other regions. They assure consumers that the product is authentic and has specific characteristics due to its geographical origin.

Typically a GI reflects the name for the place or region where the product originates. For example, the name ‘Champagne’ identifies sparkling wine that comes from the Champagne region in France.

GIs are collective rights – there is no single “owner” of a GI, as there is with a trade mark. Any producer or trader who complies with the requirements governing the use of the GI may use it on their relevant products.

In New Zealand, you can apply to register a GI for local or international wines and spirits.

New Zealand also protects some GIs from the European Union, as a result of a free trade agreement. These GIs are referred to as EU FTA GIs, and cover wines, spirits and other goods.

• EU Geographical Indications

  Some GIs from the European Union are protected in New Zealand as a result of a free trade agreement.

• Application guidance

  If you wish to apply to register a GI for wines or spirits, this guidance will help make the application process easy to follow and understand.

• Apply to register a GI

  Use this form to apply to register a GI for wines or spirits.

• The GI register

  The GI register lists all GIs that are registered, applied for or proposed in New Zealand.

• Fees

  Registering and renewing a New Zealand GI or foreign GI will incur some fees.

• The Act

  The Geographical Indications Registration Act was passed in 2006.

• Using registered GIs

  Producers and traders must comply with the legal provisions for registered GIs, including any conditions on their use.

Managing GIs

If you apply to register a GI for wines or spirits, the application will be examined in accordance with the Geographical Indications Registration Act 2006 (“the GI Act”) and its Regulations.

Once a GI is registered, any person using that GI on products of the relevant class must comply with provisions governing the use of the GI. Legal action can be taken against producers and traders who do not comply with these restrictions.

• Examination process

  GI applications and proposed GIs follow a process for examination and registration.

• Practice guidelines

  Our practices and procedures relating to aspects of the filing, examination and registration of GIs.

• Maintaining GIs

  Changes and updates can be made to both GI applications and registered GIs, under some circumstances.

• Renewing GIs

  After the first 5 years, a registered New Zealand GI or foreign GI can be renewed for further periods of 10 years.

• Enforcing GIs

  Parties who have an interest in the use of a GI may take action to prevent anyone misusing that GI.

• Hearings

  The Hearings Office administers hearing proceedings to determine disputes and challenges relating to GIs.