In a landmark achievement for Saint Lucia’s intellectual property rights, the island has officially registered its first Geographical Indication (GI), providing legal protection for a locally crafted rum.
The move safeguards the authenticity of the specific product – which the National Competitiveness and Productivity Council did not identify in the press release announcing the development – and prevents imitation, while reinforcing the country’s reputation for high-quality, uniquely Saint Lucian products.
A Geographical Indication is a designation that links a product to its place of origin, ensuring that only items produced in that location can bear the name. Unlike trademarks or copyrights, which protect businesses, GIs protect entire regions, reinforcing the distinctiveness of local products.
Acting Registrar at the Registry of Companies and Intellectual Property, Tamara Mathurin explained the importance of this milestone: “This means that producers in Saint Lucia now have the legal backing to protect their unique goods from being falsely represented in local and international markets.”
A geographical indication ensures that Saint Lucian producers have the legal backing to protect their unique goods from being misrepresented in local and international markets.”
The country’s Geographical Indications Act was introduced in 2000, but it was not until November 2024 that the first official registration was granted, following an application submitted earlier in the year. The process involved a thorough review and opposition period to confirm the product’s eligibility for GI protection.
This development places Saint Lucia in line with other Caribbean nations that have successfully used GIs to promote and protect their national products. For example, Jamaica’s world-renowned Blue Mountain Coffee and Trinidad and Tobago’s Moruga Scorpion Pepper enjoy GI status, helping them maintain exclusivity and economic value in global markets.
“The benefit of a GI is that it prevents unauthorized parties from misleading the public about the origin of a product. As a result, local producers can capitalise on the authenticity and reputation of their goods, increasing market value and consumer trust,” Mathurin added.
With this first GI now in place, the door is open for other local products to seek similar recognition. Potential future candidates for GI registration include Saint Lucian sea moss, cocoa, and various artisanal and agricultural goods. The government is encouraging producers to explore this legal tool to enhance their market potential and protect their heritage.
Businesses interested in the GI registration process can seek guidance from the Registry of Companies and Intellectual Property, under the Attorney General’s Chambers.
Quite a commendable designation, paid for in part by the livers of many Saint Lucians!