The Geographical Indication (G.I) registration is a collective tool developed for the valorization of traditional products from a certain region, with the main function of adding value to the product and protecting the producing region. In Brazil, this subject was introduced on the occasion of the enactment of the Industrial Property Law No. 9,279/96.
In Brazil there are two types of Geographical Indication, the indication of origin and the denomination of origin. In both modalities, protection will fall on the “geographical name”, constituted both by the official name and by the traditional or usual name of a determinable geographical area. The legislation in force does not establish a period of validity for Geographical Indications, so that the period for the use of the right is the same as the existence of the recognized product or service, within the peculiarities of the Indications of Origin and the Denominations of Origin.
In this sense, it is very important to highlight that the Brazilian PTO recognized the registration of a geographical indication of the Strawberry from the pioneer North. The seal for the strawberry was granted in the Indication of Origin modality (application number BR 402020000015-9 and registration concession code 395), related to the tradition and reputation of the producers, which makes the region known as a fruit production center. The four municipalities concentrate more than 500 small fruit growers, around 8 million plants cultivated in almost 200 hectares, and an annual production volume that reaches close to 7 thousand tons. The pioneer north is considered the largest strawberry producer in the entire state.
With the strawberry from the pioneer north, Paraná now has ten products with the GI registration. The others are: Antonina’s Banana Bullet, Capanema molasses, Carlópolis Guava, Witmarsum Cheese, Marialva Grapes, Café do Norte Pioneiro, Honey from the West, Honey from Ortigueira, Yerba Mate São Matheus, from the South of Paraná . Four other products are awaiting certification from the INPI, such as Wines from Bituruna, Barreado from the Coast of Paraná, Cassava Flour from the Coast of Paraná and Cachaça de Morretes.
According to the strawberry producer and president of the Norte Velho Association (ANV), Carlos Inácio, the main changes made to the properties of the approximately 25 members were to prioritize the use of organic products, which do not harm the environment, and to use, when necessary, only chemicals registered for strawberry cultivation. “The objective is to present a safe food to the final consumer”, he emphasizes. With the crop protected, fruit growers are able to grow strawberries all year round. For him, who lives exclusively on income from the fruit, the G.I will bring more competitiveness.
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Author: Bruno Arminio, Associate Lawyer at Peduti Advogados.
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“If you want to learn more about this topic, contact the author or the managing partner, Dr. Cesar Peduti Filho.”
“Se quiser saber mais sobre este tema, contate o autor ou o Dr. Cesar Peduti Filho.”