The Geographical Indications (Wine and Spirits) Registration Act (The GI Act) is currently being amended in a Bill before Parliament. When brought into force, the GI Act will establish a system for registering Geographical Indications in New Zealand for wines and spirits.
The proposed regulations to implement the GI Act set out procedures for the examination and registration of a geographical indication. These regulations also outline the process for maintaining the Register of Geographical Indications.
The proposed regulations are based on the relevant provisions of New Zealand trade mark legislation. The final regulations will also set out a “user-pays” fees schedule to cover the costs of the new registration system.
Public submissions are now invited on the proposed regulations and the proposed fees schedule. Submissions must be received by 29 July 2016.
The consultation documents and information on making a submission can be found on the MBIE website.
Submissions will be published in August 2016.