What impact does the New Zealand law have on goods exported to foreign countries?
As a New Zealand law, the new Act does not apply outside New Zealand. But the Act is highly relevant overseas all the same. New Zealand law allows foreign geographical indications to be registered in New Zealand. In return we will get our geographical indications recognised and protected under the laws of other countries. What about foreign geographical indications like Sherry and Port? These are generic in New Zealand but geographical indications in Europe. New wine producing countries like New Zealand, Australia and the United States do not want generic names getting protection as geographical indications. On the other hand the old-world producers see this as a way to claw back protection for such names which are being abused. The New Zealand law provides that generic or customary names should not be registered as geographic indications. Where are we at now? Even though our geographic indications law has been made, it is not operating yet. The regulations that will set out the detail
