Juungar Banner products to get key trademark status

Looking sheepish: Juungar wethers appear to stand to attention for the lense. [Photo/WeChat account of Ordos Daily]

Two products from Juungar Banner in Ordos are set to get a key and internationally recognized trademark classification, known as a geographical indication, after they recently passed important preliminary checks undertaken by the State Trademark Bureau.

Juungar wether male sheep and cultivated cereal Juungar broomcorn millet are the two products that will be recognized with the status and once they have completed a designated period, they will each be officially listed as a geographical indication.

Early in 2017, the Juungar Banner Association for Local Agricultural Products submitted the application to the State Trademark Bureau, and received a notice of acceptance from the State Administration of Industry and Commerce in March 2018. 

In recent years, areas across China have striven to have their products placed on the GI list, which is deemed to give them a competitive edge in domestic and international markets.

A geographical indication, according to the World Intellectual Property Organization, is a sign used on products indicating that they have a specific geographical origin and possess qualities or a reputation that are due to that origin. 

To function as a GI, a product must be identified as originating in a given place. In addition, the qualities, characteristics or reputation of the product should essentially be due to that place of origin.

Since the qualities depend on the geographical place of production, there is a clear link between the product and its original place of production.

Juungar broomcorn millet is set to be recognized for its special qualities [Photo/WeChat account of Ordos Daily]