Armenia bans the use of the term 'cognac' for Armenian brandy

Details of the story

Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan has signed a decree banning the use of the term "cognac" to refer to Armenian brandy.

The decree, which was signed on 27 December 2022, states that only brandy produced in the Cognac region of France can be labelled as such.

Armenian brandy has been produced for centuries, and is considered to be one of the finest in the world. However, it has often been sold under the name "cognac", which has led to confusion among consumers.

The new decree is intended to protect the reputation of Armenian brandy and to ensure that it is not confused with other types of brandy.

Background of the Issue

The term "cognac" is a protected designation of origin (PDO), which means that it can only be used for brandy produced in the Cognac region of France.

This protection was granted to the Cognac region in 1936, and it has been upheld by the European Union ever since.

Armenia is not a member of the European Union, and therefore is not bound by its laws.

However, the Armenian government has signed a number of agreements with the EU, including one that protects the PDOs of EU member states.

The new decree is intended to implement this agreement and to ensure that Armenian brandy is not sold under a false or misleading name.

Reaction to the Decree

The decree has been welcomed by the Armenian brandy industry.

The Armenian Brandy Association has said that the decree will protect the reputation of Armenian brandy and help to increase its sales.

The decree has also been welcomed by the French government.

The French ambassador to Armenia has said that the decree is a "positive step" and that it will help to protect the reputation of Cognac.

Conclusion

The decree banning the use of the term "cognac" for Armenian brandy is a significant development in the Armenian brandy industry.

The decree will help to protect the reputation of Armenian brandy and to ensure that it is not confused with other types of brandy.

The decree is also a positive step for the Armenian government, as it shows that it is committed to protecting the intellectual property rights of its citizens.