12 Aug Geographical Indications and why we need more GIs in Trinidad and Tobago
GEOGRAPHICAL INDICATIONS (GIs) AND WHY WE NEED MORE GIs IN TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO by Terita Kalloo
Surprisingly, Geographical Indications (“GIs”) is not a term the majority of the population is familiar with but it is one which our local producers, consumers and authorities need to pay close attention to. A Geographical Indication is “a sign used on products that have a specific geographical origin and possess qualities or a reputation that are due to that origin” (World Intellectual Property Organization). Simply put- it is the Champagne and Cuban Cigars of this world.
Champagne is simply Sparkling wine. However, the reason it is allowed to be called Champagne and the reason it fetches a much higher price than your regular Sparkling wine is because it has GI protection. The GI protection was afforded due to unique characteristics that subsist in the Champagne region of France. Therefore, Sparkling wine can only be called Champagne if it comes from the Champagne region of France and is produced in accordance with the very rigorous rule and procedures that governs their GI protection. The second you think of champagne, you think high quality and this is the effect that Geographical Indications has afforded it.
In Trinidad and Tobago, there has been one GI registration for ‘Trinidad Montserrat Hills Cocoa’. The producer group that made the filing consists of a group of cocoa farmers in the Montserrat Hills region of Gran Couva who joined together to exploit the value subsisting in their quality products. It is a known fact that Trinidad and Tobago’s Trinitario Cocoa is one of the best in the world. However, the producers were not getting their just value for such great assets. With geographical indication protection however, they would be able to fetch much higher prices in the international market and ensure Trinidad and Tobago’s great resources are highlighted.
There are many other products in Trinidad and Tobago that have the potential to gain Geographical Indication Protection and ensure sustainability for these up and coming industries as we move further and further away from our dependence on oil.
The contents of this discussion are intended to convey general information only and not to provide legal advice or opinions. Please consult an Intellectual Property Attorney if you require legal advice.
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