ECJ SAYS CHEESE

The ECJ has delivered its judgment in the dispute over whether non-Greek undertakings can describe their cheese as FETA. The has found that the term FETA is not generic for a type of cheese, and therefore is protectable as a protected designation of origin for a type of white cheese soaked in brine produced in a region of Greece. Contrary to the arguments of Denmark, France, Germany and the UK, the court found that, while white cheeses soaked in brine have been produced throughout the south-east Mediterranean and Balkan region, those cheeses have not been known as FETA. Also, while there has been substantial production of cheese known as FETA in other EU countries, 85% of the EU’s FETA consumption has occurred in Greece. Greek consumers were said by the court to perceive FETA as tied to a single geographical area, while in other countries, even FETA that is not Greek in origin often makes a reference to Greek associations or culture on its packaging.

Merpel wonders whether this case was a feta compli…