Protection of Appellations of Origin

A appellation of origin, under current regulations in Colombia on industrial property, is a geographical indication that consists of the name of a country, a region or a specific place, or of a name that without being of a country, a region or a specific place still refers to a particular geographical area, used to designate a product originating therein, and its quality, reputation or other characteristics which are due exclusively or essentially to the geographical environment in which it occurs, including natural and human factors.

This is a good example of how the quality or reputation of a product is attributable to the place where it is produced and how the name of the place identifies the product itself.

Some protected appellations of origin in Colombia are: Café de Colombia, Pisco de Perú, Ron de Venezuela, Prosciutto di San Daniele, Cholupa del Huila, Cestería en rollo de Guacamayas, and Queso del Caquetá.

The validity of the declaration of protection of an appellation of origin is determined by the existence of the conditions that caused it.

Our firm Cárdenas Vega Advisors has experienced attorneys that will advise, through personal attention, as regards the application process for protection of appellations of origin. Contact us.