Sri Lanka seeks intellectual property protection for Ceylon tea
Sri Lanka has lodged a local claim for intellectual property protection for Ceylon tea under global Geographical Indicators rules. It is the first step necessary to obtain a Geographical Indicators recognition and protection under World Trade Organisation intellectual property rights rules. Seven of the island's tea growing areas will seek registration. The rules for geographical indicators enable registration of products based on defined growing areas as well as distinct product characteristics. Sri Lanka hopes that this feature can be used for marketing purposes on the international market.