GZHEL – the First Russian Appellation of Origin Entered into the WIPO Lisbon Register

On October 3, 2024, the International Bureau of the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) notified Rospatent and the applicant that the first Russian appellation of origin (AO) "GZHEL", registered on September 1, 2023, was entered into the International Register of the Lisbon System for the International Registration of AOs and Geographical Indications (GIs).

In accordance with the procedures established by the Lisbon System, each Member State has a period of one year from the date of the notification to examine the international registration against its national legislation and to decide on whether to grant protection in its territory.

The Russian Federation deposited its instrument of accession to the Geneva Act of the Lisbon Agreement on May 11, 2023. This has created new opportunities for the economic growth of the regions of Russia and support for local producers, while also enhancing the protection of regional brands. The Lisbon System enables holders of rights to AOs and GIs to seek protection in more than 70 countries through a single application and the payment of one set of fees.

The Lisbon System guarantees effective protection of AOs and GIs in the territories of the Contracting States. This has become one of the most important factors behind the accession of the Russian Federation to the System.