The Jamaican government has instructed the country’s Intellectual Property Office to fast-track efforts to protect the brand of Jamaican rum.
A new timetable of year-end 2012 has been set up to put forth Geographical Indication legislation, a move Commerce Minister Christopher Tufton said would significantly boost brand recognition of Jamaican rum.
Geographical Indication is a name or sign used on certain products corresponding to a specific place — such as similar denominations of origin that exist for wine or champagne.
Tufton made the announcement on a visit to the bottling facilities of rum maker J Wray and Nephew last week.
–Jamaica Information Service
