Qin Jize

Oranges did not originate in Florida, but for the last century, they have grown there and developed into a unique industry.

What makes Florida oranges special is the local soil, the local climate and the process of producing - and it is the first and only foreign product that enjoys a status as a geographic indication in China so far.

China started to approve the application of geographic indication in March 1, 1995 and has registered and protected about 110 geographic indications so far, among which only one from foreign countries.

Though China has made a late start in formal registration of geographic indication, the Florida oranges did not.

It submitted the application in August the same year and got the final approval in March 1998. Up to now, it is still the only foreign geographical indication currently protected in China.

"Geographical indications are valuable intellectual property rights," said Lu Heben, director of the trademark department under the State Administration for Industry and Commerce.

He said it is smart for a foreign company to get a geographic indication overseas. However, China has not even one product that enjoys such status abroad.

He said China is seeking for co-operation and exchange with the rest of the world improve the protection system for such products with geographic indications.

Lu said the concept of geographical indication encompasses "appellations of origin" used on products that have a specific quality, which is exclusively or essentially due to the geographical environment in which the products are produced.

He said it very different from the place of production printed on the package of the product. "Made in China is not a geographic indication," he emphasized, because a geographic indication tells consumers that a product is produced in a specific place and thus has certain characteristics.

It is much more than just a place of production, he added.

All producers who make their products in the place designated by a geographical indication and whose products share typical qualities may use it.

Geographic indications are significant due to their alleged importance in identifying to consumers the characteristics of the goods or services attributable to their geographic region.

Products from regions that uphold a specific quality may apply for geographic indication - and this is not for nothing.

"The majority of the products raise their prices after the registration and thus receive a bigger profit," Lu added.

(China Daily 10/25/2004 page5)