Geographical Indications Law in Slovakia
Here’s an overview of the Geographical Indications (GI) Law in Slovakia:
🇸🇰 Geographical Indications Law in Slovakia
1. Legal Framework
Slovakia protects Geographical Indications primarily under European Union law, as Slovakia is an EU member state.
The key EU legislation is Regulation (EU) No 1151/2012 on quality schemes for agricultural products and foodstuffs.
At the national level, Slovakia also implements GI protection through the Industrial Property Act and related intellectual property laws.
2. Definition of Geographical Indications
A Geographical Indication (GI) identifies a product as originating from a specific place, region, or country, where a given quality, reputation, or other characteristic is essentially attributable to its geographical origin.
The EU regulation distinguishes between:
Protected Geographical Indication (PGI)
Protected Designation of Origin (PDO)
Traditional Specialty Guaranteed (TSG)
3. Registration Process
GI applications are submitted to the Slovak Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development or directly through the European Commission for EU-wide protection.
The process includes:
Verification of product specifications.
Definition of the geographical area.
Assessment of the link between product qualities and geographical origin.
Publication for opposition.
Once approved, the GI is registered in the EU GI register and protected throughout the EU, including Slovakia.
4. Protection
Registered GIs enjoy exclusive rights to use the indication for products coming from the specified geographical area.
Protection applies against misuse, imitation, or evocation of the GI.
Protection is enforced through national courts and the EU system.
5. Duration
Protection under EU regulations is indefinite, provided the GI is renewed periodically (every 10 years).
6. International Agreements
Slovakia, as an EU member, is bound by the TRIPS Agreement via the EU.
It is also party to the Paris Convention for the Protection of Industrial Property.
Through the EU, Slovakia participates in international GI protection systems.
7. Examples
Slovak products with GI protection include certain traditional foods, wines, and spirits recognized under the EU GI system.
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