Regional trade mark regulations

FORMER Food Minister Ned O’Keeffe, has asked Agriculture Minister Mary Coughlan if her attention has been drawn to the fact the European Commission has adopted proposals that aim to streamline and extend the rules pertaining to the registration of regional trade marks.

He asked if her attention has been drawn to “the fact Mitchelstown cheese may not be manufactured in Mitchelstown and Galtee bacon is not of Irish origin and this could be in breach of the EU regulations.

Ms Coughlan said she has no statutory role in the matter. However, she understood both names have been registered as trademarks under trademark law.