Registration of the protected designation of origin “HALLOUMI” in the EU – The General Court comes to the rescue of the European Commission and of the Republic of Cyprus

Benjamin Fontaine, Partner, French & EuropeanTrademark and Design Attorney and Spanish-qualified lawyer, has authored a commentary on the Halloumi case on the Kluwer Trademark blog.

The article sheds light on the dispute surrounding the registration of Halloumi cheese as a PDO, pitting Cypriot dairies against the European Commission. Despite opposition and technical questions regarding the proportion of food raw materials used, notably sheep or goat milk compared to cow milk, the Court dismissed the appeal seeking to annul the registration.

The EU geographical indications registration process is criticized for its lack of coherence and interdependence between Member States and the Commission. Additionally, arguments concerning the duration of the procedure were also dismissed. Thus, despite the challenges faced, Halloumi remains registered as a PDO, marking a significant milestone in this epic saga of protecting regional products.
To read the full article.