Consortium for Common Food Names

U.S. Trade Representative Remarks on EU GI Abuses in Special 301 Report

May 2, 2022 Consortium for Common Food Names 

The Consortium for Common Food Names (CCFN), U.S. Dairy Export Council (USDEC) and National Milk Producers Federation (NMPF) today welcomed the U.S. Trade Representative’s prioritization in this year’s Special 301 Report of the importance of preserving U.S. food and beverage producers’ market access rights in the face of persistent efforts by the European Union (EU) to misuse geographical indications (GIs) and create non-tariff barriers to trade in markets around the world. …

Judge Rules “Gruyere” is a Common Food Name and Not a Term Exclusive to Europe

January 10, 2022 Consortium for Common Food Names 

A judicial ruling has determined that “gruyere” is a generic style of cheese that can come from anywhere. The decision reaffirms that all cheesemakers, not just those in France or Switzerland, can continue to create and market cheese under this common name. …

U.S. Consumers Benefit as CCFN and Allies Successfully Defend Generic Name “Gruyere” in the United States

August 7, 2020 Consortium for Common Food Names

The Consortium for Common Food Names (CCFN) and a coalition of other U.S. dairy stakeholders prevailed today in their vigorous opposition to lengthy efforts by French and Swiss gruyere associations to trademark the term “gruyere” in the United States. The U.S. Patent and Trademark Office’s (USPTO) Trademark Trial and Appeal Board rejected that application finding that the term gruyere is a generic style of cheese. …

U.S. Patent & Trademark Office Bolsters Protection of Common Food Names

May 20, 2020 Consortium for Common Food Names

The Consortium for Common Food Names (CCFN), U.S. Dairy Export Council (USDEC), National Milk Producers Federation (NMPF), North American Meat Institute (NAMI), National Association of State Departments of Agriculture (NASDA) and American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF) commend the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) for a new examination guide published on Friday that will help ensure that generic terms are given adequate consideration and protection. …

CCFN Urges Trump Administration to Seek Stronger Commitments on Generic Names

February 27, 2020 Consortium for Common Food Names

In testimony before the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR), the Consortium for Common Food Names (CCFN) urged the U.S. Administration to secure “firm and explicit commitments” with trading partners to assure the future use of specific generic food and beverage names targeted by EU monopolization efforts, and to reject the use of GIs as barriers to trade. …