Obtaining the status of a “Protected Geographical Indication” is a great thing for food. In this way, certain products which are produced in a specific geographic area, are protected. Think of feta cheese.
The Dutch Dairy Foundation finally succeeded to protect Gouda Holland as a PIG for cheese after years of lobbying. This status should be celebrated and, of course, communicated. With a special logo. And of course, this logo should be protected. But when filing this trademark, the Foundation got too enthusiastic as the logo also consisted of the symbol of the Protected Geographical Indication. And this is not allowed.
A trademark should be distinctive. But there are several other requirements that apply to a trademark. For example, a trademark should not consist of an official flag or coat of arms. And a logo should not include an official emblem or logo of the European Union. The latter is the case in this respect, considers the EUIPO, which invalidates the logo of the Dairy Foundation. 