Question to the Department for International Trade:
To ask the Secretary of State for International Trade, with reference to the Answer of 9 March 2022 to Question 133933 on Trade Agreements: Japan, whether the first batch of 38 new UK geographical indications will be formally designated by the Japanese authorities by 24 October 2022.
On 30 April 2021 the UK shared a list of 77 UK geographical indications (GIs) with Japan. All these GIs need to go through examination and opposition procedures in Japan, as required in their domestic procedures. Due to the large number of GIs, Japan requested they be split into two batches to facilitate the necessary domestic procedures in Japan.
All 77 UK GIs will undergo Japan’s procedures as quickly as possible. Concurrently the UK will run procedures on a list of Japanese GIs provided by Japan. The intention is to protect the first tranche of UK GIs and Japanese GIs on the same date once these processes are complete.