Geographical Indications Law in Czech Republic
Geographical Indications (GI) Law in the Czech Republic
The Czech Republic, as a member of the European Union, protects Geographical Indications (GIs) primarily under EU law, supplemented by national legislation.
1. Legal Framework
European Union Regulations (directly applicable in the Czech Republic):
Regulation (EU) No 1151/2012 on quality schemes for agricultural products and foodstuffs, which governs Protected Designations of Origin (PDO), Protected Geographical Indications (PGI), and Traditional Specialities Guaranteed (TSG).
Regulation (EU) No 1308/2013 on common organization of the markets in agricultural products, which also supports GI protection.
Regulation (EU) 2019/787 relating to spirits, which protects GIs for spirits.
National Law:
The Czech Republic implements EU GI protections through the Act No. 110/1997 Coll. on Food and Tobacco Products, and Act No. 441/2003 Coll. on Quality Agricultural Products.
The Industrial Property Office of the Czech Republic (Úřad průmyslového vlastnictví) plays a key role in GI registration and enforcement.
2. Definitions
Protected Designation of Origin (PDO):
Products produced, processed, and prepared in a specific geographical area using recognized know-how.
Protected Geographical Indication (PGI):
Products where at least one stage of production, processing, or preparation takes place in the specific region.
Traditional Specialities Guaranteed (TSG):
Recognizes products with traditional character, either in composition or production method.
3. Registration Process
Applications for protection of GIs are made at the European level through the European Commission.
The Czech authorities examine applications to ensure compliance and may provide support or raise objections.
Successful GI registrations are published in the EU Official Journal.
The Industrial Property Office assists local producers with GI applications and oversees compliance.
4. Protection and Enforcement
Once registered, a GI is protected throughout the EU, including the Czech Republic.
Unauthorized use or imitation is prohibited and subject to civil and criminal sanctions.
The Czech Republic enforces GI protection via its national courts and market inspection authorities.
Customs authorities cooperate to prevent the import/export of goods violating GI rights.
5. Notable Czech GIs
Kozí sýry (Goat Cheese from Bílé Karpaty) — PDO status
Slovácké tvarůžky (Traditional Cheese from Slovácko) — PDO
Český med (Czech Honey) — PGI
Summary
The Czech Republic’s GI protection is closely integrated with the EU framework, providing robust protection for agricultural products and traditional foodstuffs, helping to promote regional specialties and consumer trust.
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