As in the case of “cognac” brandy and “champagne” in France, the name "matsoni" is registered in Georgia as a geographical indication. The state has informed dairy farmers that the name "matsun"—yogurt, in Armenian—is similar to the degree of confusion to the name "matsoni" registered in Georgia, and therefore may cause problems when exporting products with such a name through Georgia. The Ministry of Economy of Armenia informs about this in response to Armenian News-NEWS.am's inquiry.
Back in 2011, the authorized body of intellectual property of Armenia filed an objection against the registration of the name "matsoni" with the relevant bodies of the European Union and Georgia, arguing that this name is similar to the degree of confusion to the name of “matsun” (yogurt) dairy product being produced in Armenia. However, this objection was not taken into account. The Armenian government is taking steps to clarify the use of geographical indications with its Georgian counterparts.
In this context, the Ministry of Economy of Armenia has launched amendments to Armenia’s Law on Geographical Indications, and these amendments will enable the country’s authorized state body coordinating the agricultural sector to register geographical indications in its name, in contrast to the current regulation, according to which only producers can register geographical indications.
This amendment in the law will enable registering the name "matsun" in Armenia as a geographical indication. However, a product with this name can be exported to other countries through the territory of Georgia only after the signing of an agreement with Georgia on mutual recognition and protection of geographical indications. The provisions of this agreement and the lists of geographical indications registered in the two countries will soon be discussed within the framework of a joint working group.
To note, former Prime Minister Hrant Bagratyan had said that Armenian-made yogurt labeled "matsun" could not be exported to Russia via Georgia, as the latter had worded "matsoni" as its geographical indication. And Armenian producers have started exporting yogurt to Russia with the inscription "Armenian mountain yogurt."
