Japanese Geographical Initiative (GI) Mark Trademarked in South Korea and Australia

The Japanese Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (MAFF),has developed a Geographical Indication (GI) Protection System in which the MAFF seeks to protect the names of high quality regional brands. As part of this initiative, regional brands must obtain authorization from the MAFF to be recognized as a high quality regional brand in Japan. The Japanese government developed a GI mark which authorized brands may use to signify recognition as a high-quality, regional brand by the MAFF.

Additionally, the Japanese government has been applying for trademark registration with various countries for the GI mark. Trademark registration abroad will make it possible for the Japanese government to seek injunctions under Japanese law as well as under the other country’s law against unauthorized, third-parties who misappropriate the GI mark. This provides consumers with guarantees that the products they are obtaining are authentic.

Recently, the GI mark was registered as a tademark in South Korea and Australia. Previously the mark has been registered in Japan, Taiwan, Laos, New Zealand, and Myanmar.