Delhi High Court Resolves Pisco Dispute Between Peru and Chile

- The Delhi High Court has allowed both Peru and Chile to market their Pisco brands in India with specific country labels.
- This ruling addresses a 20-year dispute over the branding of Pisco, a premium grape-based brandy.
- The court’s decision is seen as a victory for India’s Geographical Indications framework, enhancing consumer protection.
- Pisco in India could become more available due to this ruling, although its current market is limited to high-end venues.
Delhi High Court Resolves Pisco Trademark Dispute
The long-standing debate between Peruvian and Chilean Pisco, a popular grape-based brandy, has finally been resolved, thanks to a recent ruling from the Delhi High Court. After two decades of disputes related to the spirit’s branding and Geographical Indications (GI) protections, the court has decided that both nations can market their respective versions of Pisco in India. However, there is a crucial stipulation: all labels must explicitly denote the country of origin to prevent any consumer confusion. This decision, issued on Monday, has been hailed by industry experts as a significant step in reinforcing authentic product labeling in the Indian liquor market.
The Delhi High Court’s decision marks a historic moment for the Geographical Indications framework in India, allowing both Peru and Chile to market their Pisco products, yet emphasizing proper labeling. This landmark ruling not only broadens consumer choice but also protects the integrity of the brand, ensuring customers are well informed about the origin of their spirits. Nonetheless, challenges like market awareness and competition from other spirits could impact the category’s growth in the near future.