Islamabad: The Ministry of Commerce has expressed its approval of the Federal Court of Australia’s decision to dismiss the appeal filed by India’s Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) in the Basmati word mark case. The ruling also mandates that APEDA cover the respondent’s costs.

According to Press Information Department, the court’s decision supports Pakistan’s stance that Basmati is a geographical indication. APEDA had sought to register Basmati as a certification trade mark for rice in Australia. This application was initially rejected by a Delegate of the Australian Registrar of Trade Marks in December 2022, on the grounds that the term could not differentiate rice certified by APEDA from that produced by other traders. APEDA’s subsequent appeal to the Federal Court was dismissed, reinforcing the Registrar’s acknowledgment that Basmati rice is cultivated in both Pakistan and India.

The dismissal of APEDA’s appeal is seen as a major victory for Pakistan. It affirms the shared heritage of Basmati rice cultivation in the historically recognized growing regions within both Pakistan and India. The court’s decision prevents any single national authority from claiming exclusive rights over the Basmati name, ensuring that producers and exporters from both countries retain their legitimate rights to use the term.

The Ministry of Commerce has been actively opposing India’s bid to secure exclusive rights over the Basmati name in global markets. It has been working with national institutions and stakeholders to protect Pakistan’s commercial and intellectual-property interests. This outcome safeguards the rights of Pakistani Basmati growers, millers, and exporters, allowing them to continue marketing their rice in Australia.

The Ministry of Commerce remains committed to preserving Basmati as a vital part of Pakistan’s agricultural heritage and export identity. Efforts will continue to protect its status in foreign markets based on its historical origin and reputation.

Federal Minister for Commerce Jam Kamal Khan praised the collaborative efforts of the Ministry of Commerce team and stakeholders in successfully defending Pakistan’s rights in this matter. He described the court’s decision as a significant achievement for the country’s agricultural legacy and commercial interests.