The Geographical Indications (Wine and Spirits) Registration Act 2006 and the associated regulations came into force on 27 July 2017.

The Act creates a register for wines and spirits, which will be adminstered by the Intellectual Property Office of New Zealand (IPONZ).

A geographical indication is a sign used on products from a specific geographical location, which possess a quality, reputation or other characteristic linked to that location.

IPONZ says this represents a new type of intellectual property right that IPONZ administers on behalf of New Zealand entrepreneurs and businesses.

Commerce and Consumer Affairs Minister Jacqui Dean says geographical indications will help to differentiate New Zealand brands locally and overseas

“Registering a geographical indication differs from a registering a trade mark. Any trader, who complies with particular geographical indication provisions, is able to use," she says.

With the introduction of the new register, New Zealand wine and spirit makers will now be able to register the geographical origins of their products, and will have additional protection for the promotion of their products overseas.

Detailed information on registration and the legislation is available on the Geographical Indications pages on IPONZ's website.