The Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Food of the Republic of Slovenia submitted an objection on October 7, 2015, to the European Commission, specifically to the Directorate-General for Agriculture and Rural Development, regarding Croatia’s request for the registration of “Varaždin Cabbage” in accordance with the Regulation on quality systems for agricultural and food products.
The Republic of Slovenia believes that the request of the Republic of Croatia for the registration of „Varaždinskog zelja“, published on July 8, 2015, in the Official Journal of the European Union, violates Article 10 of Regulation (EU) No. 1151/2012. In other words, the article referenced states that a name cannot be registered as a designation of origin or geographical indication if it conflicts with the name of a plant variety or animal breed, which could mislead consumers about the true origin of the product. Furthermore, a name that is wholly or partially homonymous with a name already registered cannot be registered, and if the registration of the proposed name as a designation of origin or agricultural origin could mislead consumers about the true origin due to the reputation, recognition, and length of use of the mark.
After the objection is submitted, Slovenia has a period of two months to provide a reasoned statement regarding the objection.
