Geographical Indication for Žatecký chmel (Saaz hops) in India

The Embassy of Czech Republic in India jointly with Hop Growers Union of the Czech Republic wish to inform about the success of Czech agriculture in India. The Office of the Controller General of Patents, Designs & Trademarks of India gazetted a geographical indication for Žatecký chmel (Saaz hops) on Dec 16, 2020 which is a big step to gain the protection of intellectual property similar to, for example, champagne or port wine.

Saaz hops are a traditional, unique and valued type of hops, which can only be issued under this designation if it was grown in the Saaz (Žatec) region in the Czech Republic.

This successful registration & publication under the Journal of Geographical Indications was as a result of the long-term support of the Embassy of the Czech Republic in Delhi and the Honorary Consulate in Chennai. Saaz hops will be protected in India, so that even local lovers of beer made from Czech hops can enjoy the highest quality in the future without compromise and intellectual property abuse of Czech farmers who inherited this treasure from generation to generation.