Legal updates and opinions
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
Cracking Down or Catching Up? South Africa’s Approach to Crypto Regulation: Part 1 – Payments
by Armand Swart, Director, Hilah Laskov, Director and Hlonelwa Lutuli, Associate Introduction Crypto assets (“crypto“) exist in a unique regulatory [...]
Employers must timeously take steps to deal with any allegations of sexual harassment raised with them, failing which they may be held liable
by Andre van Heerden, Director and Hannah Fowler, Candidate Attorney Introduction In Independent Municipal and Allied Trade Union obo S and [...]
Proposed Economic Opportunity Tax for Casino Operator Licensees in the Western Cape to relocate their casinos
by Wendy Rosenberg, Director and Head of Digital Media & Electronic Communications On 6 June 2025, the draft Western Cape [...]
When does an acquisition by a company of its own shares constitute a scheme of arrangement?
Understanding the relationship between Section 48 and Section 114 of the Companies Act in Light of the Companies Amendment Act, [...]
Are we seeing an end to the appointment of board members to act as CEOs of SOEs / Private Companies?
by Sandile July, Director and Head of Employment and Nonkosazana Nkosi, Director 1. The Labour Court has officially put a [...]
Alexkor Soc Limited and Another v Carstens (JA7/24) [2025] ZALAC 28 (15 May 2025)
by Bankey Sono, Director and Neo Sewela, Senior Associate 1. Does the Labour Court have the power to declare a [...]
