The Prosecco DOC Consortium, led by President Stefano Zanette, has just achieved an important international result. The renowned Italian sparkling wine is now officially recognized and protected in China. The effort began back in 2014 when the Consortium, in order to ensure the protection of its denomination, filed the collective trademark “Prosecco” in China.
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Following the publication of the trademark, the Consortium received opposition from Australian wine producers represented by the Australian Grape And Wine Incorporated, aimed at hindering the protection of the Geographical Indication. The opposition aimed in fact at not having the trademark recognized and to prevent its registration. The Chinese Trademark Office (CNIPA), on the other hand, rejected the Australian opposition, deciding that the trademark “Prosecco” – being a Geographical Indication – is suitable as a trademark to distinguish the origin of products. This is a particularly important result, especially considering the strategic role of the Chinese market.
Thanking the Italian Ambassador in Beijing for his commitment, Zanette confirmed that “the success of the operation is due to the constant work of protection carried out by the Consortium, supported by the great collaboration of the Italian Embassy in Beijing and the European Commission. With their contribution, these bodies have helped the Consortium to achieve this important international result, demonstrating once again how successful the synergy between public and private institutions is”.