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Uruguay: new registration of authorized Designations of Origin

On June 3, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Uruguay informed of the opening of a registration of prior users in the framework of the Association Agreement between MERCOSUR and the European Union, and in relation to the following Geographical Indications: Parmesano, Parmesão, Reggianito, Fontina, Gruyère, Gruyere, Gruyerito, Gruyer, Manchego Cheese, Grana, Gorgonzola, Ginebra, Genebra, Steinhäger, Grappamiel, Grapamiel.

As we informed, the regulations apply to prior uses in Uruguay as well as in other Mercosur countries (Brazil, Paraguay and Argentina).

Thus, the Ministry requires any individual or legal entity who is the user of any of the indicated designations to request their registration in the list of “prior users” by sending an affidavit in which confirm they comply with the requested requirements. The period for requesting the registration ends on June 30, 2020.

The provision states that hereinafter the continuation of the use of such Designations of Origin will only be allowed for those who are registered in the list of authorized prior users, which will be made by the applicable authority for this purpose. Thus, those who are not registered must hereinafter refrain from using the indicated designations.

You may see the official communication here.

Fabiana Penades