Abstract:
The Geographical Indications Act 2014 was enacted to implement Singapore’s obligations under the Agreement on Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS Agreement) and the European Union – Singapore Free Trade Agreement. It remained relatively untested until two recent Court of Appeal decisions: Consorzio di Tutela della Denominazione di Origine Controllata Prosecco v Australian Grape and Wine Inc [2023] 2 SLR 509 (“Prosecco CA”) and Fonterra Brands (Singapore) Pte Ltd v Consorzio del Formaggio Parmigiano Reggiano [2024] 2 SLR 624 (“Fonterra CA”). Prosecco CA clarified the evidential and procedural framework for opposition proceedings under s 45, while Fonterra CA did the same for qualification of rights proceedings under s 46. This piece evaluates these cases and seeks to draw out practical lessons for intellectual property practitioners in Singapore, while reflecting on Singapore’s unique consumer-centric approach to the protection of geographical indications.