23 February 2006
GI Bill Good for Wines and Spirits
Chief Executive of the Distilled Spirits Association, Thomas Chin, gave oral testimony to the select committee
investigating the Geographical Indications (Wine and Spirits) Registration Bill today, urging them to recommend the
Government pass the Bill as soon as possible.
The Bill, which is before the Foreign Affairs Defence and Trade Select committee, aims to clarify and strengthen the
legal protection of well-known local and international wine and spirit names with geographical indications (GIs)[1].
At the hearing, Mr Chin welcomed this comprehensive review of an important intellectual property law, and appealed for a
tough infringements and enforcement regime to be included to safeguard famous and well-established wine and spirit names
from exploitation.
“New Zealand law must strongly protect GI wine and spirits from misuse or misrepresentation. Imitation is apparently the
sincerest form of flattery, but the copying and counterfeiting of wines and spirits is just as detrimental to our
industry and economy as it is to the music, software and clothing industries, and it must be stopped,” says Mr Chin.
The proposed new legislation should deter counterfeiters of products that can only legally be produced in a designated
district, region or area, such as Cognac and Tequila.
“This new law will create a higher standard of honesty on all wine and spirit product labeling. To survive and grow,
legitimate GI producers need to know that their intellectual property is well-protected".
Mr Chin says the new law could also benefit local producers and emerging New Zealand spirit GIs such as "Hokonui", "New
Zealand Malt Whisky" and "Blenheim Gin" whose names are tied to specific and unique local areas and reputation.
ENDS.