Legal updates and opinions
Post Author
News / News
South Africa: Recognition and Protection of Karoo Lamb as a Geographical Indication
South African Geographical Indication’s (“GI”) include Rooibos (Western Cape), Honeybush (Eastern Cape and Western Cape), and several wine GIs including Stellenbosch, Constantia and Paarl, which are all recognised as GIs under various legislation. Karoo Lamb / Karoo Lam’ is the first South African product to be registered as a geographical indication under South Africa’s Agricultural Products Standards Act.
The Act controls and promotes specific product standards (e.g. meat, dairy products) notably from a quality point of view both locally and for export.
Geographical Indications (“GIs”) are signs on products which denote qualities and characteristics which are as a consequence of origin. The protection and enforcement of GIs promote the exclusivity of products from specific regions and boost local economies
Karoo Lamb has been granted GI status due to its distinctive qualities, supported by evidence as a result of extensive research. Its unique taste and texture are attributed to the Karoo lamb’s diet, which primarily consists of Fynbos in the semi-desert natural landscape of the Karoo.
Only lamb exclusive to the Karoo may now carry this GI with the Act making it an offence to use a mark, in connection with the sale of an agricultural product, that conveys or creates a false or misleading impression as to, amongst others, the quality or place of production of such product.
MEET THE INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY TEAM
Janine Hollesen
Director, Head of Intellectual Property
Donvay Wegierski
Director
Bontle Monnya
Associate
Danielle Fiff
Associate
Latest News
A charge by any other name would smell as sweet
by Bradley Workman-Davies, Director The Labour Appeal Court's judgment in Machi v Chep SA (Pty) Ltd and Others serves as [...]
When a misdirected email becomes a data breach: The Information Regulator issues an enforcement notice on internal and accidental security compromises
by Armand Swart, Director, Hlonelwa Lutuli, Associate and Isabella Keeves, Candidate Attorney On 22 May 2026, South Africa’s Information Regulator [...]
Renting out your home? The Consumer Protection Act does not apply to you says Supreme Court of Appeal
by Armand Swart, Director In the judgment of Els v Venter and Another (449/2024) [2025] ZASCA 163 (27 October 2025), [...]
Bullies beware: When workplace toxicity becomes a dismissible offence
by Bradley Workman-Davies, Director For many years, workplace bullying occupied an uncomfortable space in South African labour law. Employers recognised [...]
The rule of law remains paramount: Lessons from City of Tshwane Metropolitan Municipality v Summer Season Trading 63 (Pty) Ltd
by Bulelwa Mabasa, Director and Head of Land Reform and Samkelo Ntuli, Candidate Attorney The dispute in Summer Season Trading [...]
Mind the Conduct: A Guide to COFI – Part 4: Principles and Conduct Requirements
by Hilah Laskov, Director Introduction In this article series, we take a deep dive into the South African Conduct of [...]
