Brazil: First Denomination of Origin for national product

On August 24, 2010, the Brazilian Instituto Nacional de Propiedad Industriale (INPI) granted the first Denomination of Origin to a Brazilian product.

As it was mentioned on an early post, Brazil recognises Geographical Indication in two forms: Denomination of Origin (DO) and Indication of Source. DO recognises products whose characteristics are essentially due to the geographical environment. On the other hand, Indication of Source does not require a link with the environment.

The DO is granted to ‘Litoral Norte Gaúcho’, for rice. Accordingly, due to the climate of the region the product is more loose, translucent and docile. Annually, the region produces 600 000 tonnes of rice. It is expected that with the certification, it will add value to the product, develop the regional economy and produce new markets.

Brazil has already granted seven Indications of Sources to national products. There is also the application for a DO for ‘Vale dos Vinhedos’ – an Indication of Source already. It is also important to note that the INPI has granted four DO to foreigners: ‘Region of Vinho Verde’ (Portugal), for wine; ‘Cognac’ (France), for wine or distilled spirits of wine; ‘San Daniele’ (Italy), fresh pork legs and raw ham; and ‘Franciacorta’ (Italy), wines, sparkling wines and spirits.