Basmati battle: Australian court rejects India’s plea as Pakistan secures major legal win

Pakistan has won a legal round over the Basmati name after the Federal Court of Australia dismissed an appeal lodged by India's APEDA, according to Business Recorder. The ruling upheld an earlier decision by the Australian Registrar of Trade Marks, which had turned down APEDA's request to register Basmati as a trade mark for rice. The Ministry of Commerce, which announced the outcome in a statement on Wednesday, called it a major victory.

According to the commerce ministry, the registrar had already accepted that Pakistan also grows Basmati, and that local traders have an equal right to the name. APEDA has also been directed to cover the respondent's legal expenses. Officials added that the ruling safeguards the business and IP rights of Basmati producers, mills and shippers in Pakistan, who can keep selling genuine Pakistani Basmati in Australia.

Federal Commerce Minister Jam Kamal described the result as a notable milestone for the country's farming legacy, trade stakes and export profile. The ministry added that it intends to keep pressing for the name's protection abroad, pointing to its origin in a long-established growing region and its recognised characteristics.