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
Private Public Partnerships and the inescapable ties of Section 217
by Sarah Moerane, Director and, Koketso Rapoo, Candidate Attorney "contracts for goods and services" - A phrase that, on the [...]
The applicability of Rule 46A to juristic persons and trusts: Have we been getting it wrong all along? Yes- says the SCA
by Tandiwe Matshebela, Director, Neo Kgame, Senior Associate and, Zoe Austen, Candidate Attorney Since Rule 46A of the Uniform Rules [...]
When the walls fall in
Ring-a-round the rosie, A pocket full of posies, Ashes! Ashes! We all fall down The Information Regulator has officially made [...]
The Eastern Cape High Court Judgment that created seismic waves
by Kyra South, Senior Associate and Thembelihle Tshabalala, Candidate Attorney. Reviewed by Chris Stevens, Director and Head of Mining and [...]
Small mergers in digital markets are on the Competition Commission’s radar
by Dominique Arteiro, Director, and Sandiso Dhlomo, Candidate Attorney Guidelines on small merger notification The Competition Commission of South Africa [...]
Invitation for written representations regarding the national minimum wage
by Jacques van Wyk, Director, Andre van Heerden, Senior Associate, and Danelle Plaatjies, Candidate Attorney On 9 September 2022, the Chairperson of [...]
