ECJ decision on balsamic vinegar
The court ruled that the term ‘Balsamico’ is not protected as a designation of origin or geographical indication.
Legal firm Squire Patton Boggs successfully represented its client, German firm Balema, in the legal case, which began in 2015. Partner Dr Christofer Eggers commented on the verdict: “I am very happy that the ECJ has agreed with our view and that we have been able to achieve ultimate success for our client after years of legal proceedings. In addition, we are happy that this ruling finally ensures that Balsamico can legally come from Germany.”
The case attracted the interest of the governments of Germany, Greece and France. These countries maintained the terms ‘aceto’, ‘aceto Balsamico’ and ‘Balsamico’ were all generic, non-geographical names and only the entire term ‘Aceto Balsamico di Modena’ should be protected.
