New Law on Geographical Indications Enters into Force in Kosovo

The new law on geographical indications and designations of origin entered into force in Kosovo on January 27, 2016.

The aim of the new law is to further harmonize Kosovo’s legislation with the EU and bring it in line with Regulation (EU) No. 1151/2012 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 21 November 2012 on quality schemes for agricultural products and foodstuffs and Directive 2004/48/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 29 April 2004 on the enforcement of intellectual property rights.

The new law more precisely defines identical designations of origin or geographical indications, i.e. homonyms.

Provisions on trans-border geographical indications have been added. Several groups may submit a joint application in the case of a name designating a trans-border geographical area or a traditional name connected to a trans-border geographical area.

Provisions on cancellation have been amended. Under the new law, the decision on a protected designation of origin or a protected geographical indication may be cancelled if no product is placed on the market for at least seven years.

Provisions on protection of traditional specialties have been introduced, explaining the criteria, product specifications and the registration procedure in general.

The applicable bylaw is still the Administrative Instruction No. 05/2014, which provides detailed information on the procedures prescribed by the law, namely the procedures of application, registration, publication, recordal of changes, renewal, termination of validity, etc.

For more information, please contact mail@petosevic.com.

Source: The new Kosovo GI law