Geographical Indications (Wine and Spirits) Registration Act and Regulations come into force

Geographical Indications (Wine and Spirits) Registration Act and Regulations come into force

The Geographical Indications (Wine and Spirits) Registration Act and Regulations come into force today. The Act creates a register for wines and spirits, which will be administered by IPONZ.

A geographical indication is a sign used on products from a specific geographical location, which possess a quality, reputation or other characteristic linked to that location. This represents a new type of intellectual property right that IPONZ administers on behalf of New Zealand entrepreneurs and businesses.

With the introduction of the new register, New Zealand wine and spirit makers will now be able to register the geographical origins of their products, and will have additional protection for the promotion of their products overseas.

Read the Ministerial media statement.

For more information, please see our Geographical Indications section.

Published on July 27, 2017