Cypriot cheese producers re-secure ‘Halloumi’ trademark protection in UK

Cypriot farmers have won back the exclusive right to market their cheeses as ‘Halloumi’ in the UK after re-securing the trademark it lost in 2018.

On behalf of farmers, the Cypriot ministry first secured trademark protection for ‘Halloumi’ in the UK in 1990, however, this was revoked in 2019 after they failed to respond to legal requests.

By regaining the trademark, Cypriot farmers once again have the exclusive right to market their products in the UK using this description.

“In view of the growing market for this cheese product in the UK, this is likely to prove lucrative for them,” said Fiona McBride, partner and trademark attorney at European intellectual property firm, Withers & Rogers.

McBride added: “The farmers are unlikely to stop there, however. They have already applied for ‘protected food name’ status to the European Commission. If successful, their application for Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) status would bring permanent protection. However, it is likely to take time, so trademark protection in the UK will be helpful to them in the meantime.”

The Protected Food Name scheme was established in 1993 by the UK government and can help producers that want to use a geographical place name as part of their product’s brand identity prevent others marketing it under the same name. 

McBride added: “Food and drink producers in the UK may not be aware that they can apply for ‘protected food name’ status to protect produce with unique characteristics that can be linked back to a specific geographical location or defined product characteristics. However, it is best to do this as early as possible rather than waiting until they have spotted some potential misuse of that food name.”