Recently, the Intermediate People's Court of Changde City, Hunan Province, China ruled that the brand of gold tea in Baojing County did not constitute a geographical indication, while Xiangxi Gold Chaze was recognized as a geographical indication product. This judgment has solved the long-standing dispute and provided legal reference and guidance for preventing the infringement of the property rights of geographical indications in the future.

It is understood that Baojing County and Xiangxi area are both famous tea producing areas in China, among which Baojing Golden Tea and Xiangxi Golden Tea are widely recognized brands. However, due to their similar names and geographical locations, they have long been controversial, especially in trademark registration and marketing.

In this case, Changde Intermediate People's Court held that although Baojing County has been strengthening the protection and promotion of the brand of golden tea, it has not provided enough evidence to prove that golden tea is its unique product, nor has it properly protected and managed the geographical indication right of golden tea. On the contrary, Xiangxi Gold and Chaze has sufficient historical, geographical and cultural background, and is recognized as a geographical indication product, enjoying relevant rights and protection.

This judgment shows that the protection of geographical indications not only needs uniqueness, representativeness and regionality, but also needs special organizations and management institutions to ensure the authenticity and quality of products. At the same time, in trademark registration and marketing, we should follow the principle of fair competition to prevent infringement and unfair competition.

In a word, this judgment provides important legal and practical significance for the protection of geographical indications in China, and also provides useful reference and enlightenment for the brand building and market development of tea industry.