Geographical Indications Law in Norway
Here’s a detailed overview of Geographical Indications (GI) Law in Norway:
🇳🇴 Geographical Indications Law in Norway
1. Legal Framework
Norway protects Geographical Indications (GIs) under a combination of:
The Norwegian Trademark Act
The Norwegian Food Act
Implementation of EU regulations through the EEA Agreement
Although Norway is not a member of the EU, it participates in the European Economic Area (EEA) and thus adopts many EU laws, including those related to GIs.
2. Types of Protection
Norway recognizes the following designations for products linked to geographic origin:
| Type | Description |
|---|---|
| Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) | Product must be produced, processed, and prepared in a specific geographical area using recognized methods. |
| Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) | At least one stage of production, processing, or preparation occurs in the geographic area. |
| Traditional Specialty Guaranteed (TSG) | Recognizes traditional production methods or recipes without a specific geographical origin. |
3. Legal Basis
| Legal Instrument | Description |
|---|---|
| Trademarks Act (1995, amended) | Provides protection through certification and collective marks related to GIs. |
| Food Act (2003) | Regulates labeling, including GIs for food products. |
| EEA Agreement | Norway implements EU GI regulations, primarily Regulation (EU) No 1151/2012 on quality schemes for agricultural products and foodstuffs. |
4. Registration Process
GIs are registered via the Norwegian Food Safety Authority (Mattilsynet).
The registration requires:
Specification of the product
Definition of the geographical area
Description of the product’s link to that area
The application is published for objections.
Once approved, the GI is protected within Norway and across the EEA.
5. International Commitments
Norway complies with the TRIPS Agreement GI provisions.
It is a member of the Paris Convention.
Through the EEA Agreement, Norway respects EU GI protections, including recognition of EU-registered GIs.
Not a member of the Lisbon Agreement, but respects WIPO treaties.
6. Enforcement
GI rights are enforceable in Norwegian courts.
Violations can lead to injunctions, damages, and confiscation of goods.
The Consumer Authority also ensures compliance to prevent misleading use of GIs.
7. Examples of Protected GIs in Norway
Brunost (brown cheese)
Geitost (goat cheese)
Røros meat products
8. Summary
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Legal framework | Trademark Act, Food Act, EEA implementation of EU GI regulations |
| Types of GI protection | PDO, PGI, TSG |
| Administering authority | Norwegian Food Safety Authority (Mattilsynet) |
| International law | TRIPS, Paris Convention, EEA Agreement |
| Enforcement | Civil courts, consumer protection |
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