Appellations of Origin and Geographical Indications

– Law on Appellations of Origin and Geographical Indications for Agricultural Products and Foodstuffs, Law No. 139(I)/2006, in force since November 3, 2006.

Filing

A five-Member Advisory Committee, which is appointed by the Minister of Agriculture, Natural Resources and Environment (“The Minister”), will advise the Minister whether an appellation of origin or a geographical indication can be protected. The Minister is the competent authority. 

Protectable: agricultural products or foodstuffs.

Filing requirements for an application (to be sent to local agent):
1. The name and address of the group, which files the application;
2. The specification of the agricultural product or foodstuff for which the application is made;
3. The name of the product or foodstuff and the name of the appellation or indication;
4. A brief description of the geographical area;
5. A description of the connection of the product with the geographical environment or the geographical origin.

Examination: by the Minister, and if accepted by him, he then transmits the application to the Advisory Committee for further examination. If it is accepted by the Committee, the acceptance is published by the Minister.

Opposition: possible, by an individual or legal entity having a “lawful interest” and residing in the Republic of Cyprus, on the grounds that, inter alia (a) the product applied for does not fulfill the criteria for the designation of origin and/or the geographical indication as set by the Law (in general, if it does not fulfill the requirements of the Law); (b) there is, inter alia, a similar appellation or trademark; (c) the name applied for is generic within the meaning of the Law.

Protection

Infringements – penalties: if a third party infringes the provisions of the Law, it is a criminal offense, which is punishable by imprisonment of up to two years or a fine or both sentences.