DISPUTE OVER “KHVANCHKARA” IS SUCCESSFULLY SETTLED IN CHINA

Dispute over “Khvanchkara” is successfully settled in China

Dispute over “Tsinandali”, “Kitdzmarauli” and “Chacha” is still going on

The Trademark Office of the State Administration for Industry and Commerce of the People’s Republic of China (SAIC) invalidated appellation of origin of Georgian wine “Khvanchkara” which was unfairly registered by a physical person.

Besides, the disputes over unlawfully registered Appellations of Origin “Tsinandali”, “Kindzmarauli” and Geographical Indication “Chacha” have continued between Sakpatenti and two Chinese companies since February 2014. National Intellectual Property Center of Georgia Sakpatenti expects that appeals over other controversial appellations will be satisfied as well.

On May 23, 2013, Sakpatenti filed 6 applications for Appellations of Origin of Georgian wines “Tvishi”, “Khvanchkara”, “Tsinandali”, “Kindzmarauli”, “Mukuzani” and Georgian Geographical Indication “Chacha” for registration with the SAIC Trademark Office. 4 applications were rejected due to the similarity to the already registered trademarks. Examination on 2 appellations “Mukuzani” and “Tvishi” proceeded without any delay. In January 2015 both appellations were registered.

Sakpatenti does not expect “Khvanchkara” to be disputed. Accordingly, after the expiry of the opposition period, the Appellation of Origin of Georgian wine will automatically be registered in the name of Georgia.

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“Mukuzani” and “Tvishi” were registered in China