New GI Law Enters into Force in Kosovo

The new Law on Geographical Indications (GIs) and Designations of Origin (DOs) entered into force in Kosovo on July 19, 2013.

According to the new law, GIs can be registered at Kosovo’s IPO. Any GI in the name of a region, a specific place or in special cases the name of a state, which is used to describe a specific product originating from that region or state can be registered.

Registered GIs or DOs will be protected against any direct or indirect commercial use of products that are not registered, any misuse, imitation or infringement, each inaccurate (false) or misleading indication in terms of genealogy, origin, nature or essential qualities of the product, and every other practice or action that may mislead the consumer as to the true origin of the product.

Legal protection of GIs and DOs as foreseen by the new law covers several actions, including the procedure of finding and stopping the infringement, the application for the seizure and destruction of products, and the application for damage compensation. Moreover, the law includes penalty provisions including monetary fines in various amounts depending on different categories.

The full text of the law is available in English at this link.

Prepared by: Jelena Jankovic

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

Source: Text of the law