How does wine relate to intellectual property? Why can registration of a geographical indication not only support an individual producer, but also stimulate the development of an entire region? These and other aspects were discussed during the educational lecture hall “Special unfamiliar wine” within the framework of the 23rd Kyiv Food and Wine Festival, which was held on October 18-19, 2025 at the National Complex “Expocenter of Ukraine” (VDNG).

 

On the behalf of the Ukrainian National Office for Intellectual Property and Innovations (UANIPIO/IP Office), the following people spoke at the lecture hall:

 

• Mykola Pototskyi, Deputy Director, who spoke about the geographical indications of Ukraine (GI);

 

• Andrii Sukhovii, Head of the Inventions, Utility Models and Semiconductor Product Layouts Application Examination Division, who explained how the technological processes of winemaking are related to intellectual property.

 

Winemaking technologies and patents

 

Andrii Sukhovii pointed out that wine production consists of a number of technological stages – from harvesting and processing grapes to filtration, stabilization, aging and bottling – and patents can be applied at each of them. At the same time, the wine industry is constantly developing: producers are introducing new technologies, improving equipment and processes, which makes it possible to improve the quality of wine and its taste characteristics.

 

 

He also spoke about the existing technologies for the production of sparkling wine. One of the classic technologies is the Pet Nat method (méthode ancestrale), according to which wine is bottled until the primary fermentation is completed. This drink has natural bubbles and often remains unfiltered. The speaker also paid special attention to other methods of sparkling wine production – in particular, the reservoir (acratophore) method or the Charmat-Martinotti method, which involves secondary fermentation in a stainless steel tank. The duration of such a process can vary from 21 days to three months.

 

Speaking about the technology of secondary fermentation in a bottle and its connection with intellectual property, Andrii Sukhovii separately focused on the remuage technique. According to this method, wine bottles are placed in special racks at an angle with the neck down, turning regularly and shaking easily. This allows the yeast sediment formed during secondary fermentation to gradually accumulate in the bottleneck, after which it is removed.

 

“There is evidence that this technology was invented by Barbe-Nicole Clicquot-Ponsardin, founder of the Veuve Clicquot brand. Her name is also associated with the invention of another important element of champagne production – muselet – a metal wire that holds the cork under pressure. However, the patent for this invention in 1844 was received not by her, but by entrepreneur Adolphe Jacquesson, who in 1835 headed the Jacquesson Wine House and began modernizing wine production technologies,” the speaker noted.

 

For more information about Andrii Sukhovii’s presentation, please follow the link.

 

 

Geographical indications

 

Mykola Pototskyi focused on geographical indications. Champagne, Franciacorta, Cava, Asti are examples of drinks that can only be produced in certain geographical regions. A geographical indication is a designation that identifies a product that originates from a particular geographical location and has a special quality, reputation, or characteristics due to that particular origin. At least one stage of production must be carried out in the relevant territory.

 

He noted that now 13 GI are registered for wines that originate from the territory of Ukraine: Chabag, Acha-Abag, Prydunaiska Bessarabia, Yalpuh, Frumushika Valley, Tavria, Zakarpattia (Zakarpattia Wine), Sonyachna Dolyna, Novyi Svit, Zolota Balka, Meganom, Balaklava, Magarach.

 

 

What are the advantages of registering a GI? As Mykola Pototskyi explained, for the State it is a tool for identifying and popularizing the country, developing regions, supporting local producers and preserving cultural heritage and traditions. A GI contributes to the formation of a positive image of the territory, activates tourism and cultural exchange.

 

For consumers, a GI guarantees the origin of products, their stable quality, reputation and authentic taste characteristics.

 

“For producers, a geographical indication is, first of all, a legal tool for protecting a product that is created in their region. Only those who produce products in accordance with the established specifications and in a certain area have the right to use the registered marking. This increases competitiveness, adds value, and promotes business development. According to research data, after the registration of a GI, the cost of products can increase by two or even  five times, ” the speaker noted.

 

In addition, GI holders get the right to prohibit the use of the name to those producers whose products do not meet the established specifications – that is, to ensure effective protection of their brand and market.

 

For more information about Mykola Pototskyi’s presentation, please follow the link.

 

 

The following people also made presentations during the educational lecture hall:

 

• Sergiy Glotov, Lawyer, who told about the mandatory information that should be contained on the labels;

 

• Director of BIG WINES Nataliia Burlachenko, who emphasized the importance of a GI for promoting Ukraine as a wine-growing country.

 

The event was moderated by Oksana Ogienko (Law Association “YourS Partners”).

 

 

Read also:

 

Recodification and European integration: challenges and prospects for intellectual property rights discussed by scientists and practitioners during the conference

 

Assistance of IP rights protection and business support: UANIPIO management met with representatives of AHK Ukraine