The Intellectual Property (Amendment) Bill, which seeks to stop counterfeiting of Ceylon Tea, Ceylon Cinnamon, and other products made with value inherent in Sri Lanka’s geographical environment, has been passed in Parliament.
Trade Minister (Dr.) Bandula Gunawardena introduced the Bill in Parliament for Second Reading.
As the Intellectual Property Act did not specify a specific methodology for registering these products as geographical indicators that have made an important contribution to the Sri Lankan economy, so far they have been registered as Certificate Marks under the subject of Trademarks.
Accordingly, the new bill will enable products such as Ceylon Tea, Ceylon Cinnamon, Ceylon Pepper and Ceylon Cashew to be registered as Sri Lankan Geographical Indicators in the future, thereby making it legal to stop counterfeiting under these names under a law frame.