King of Bahrain, Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, issued Law No. 16 for 2004 concerning the Protection of Geographical Indications. The Law was published in the Official Gazette No. 2648 dated August 18, 2004.
According to Articles 1 & 3, geographical indications identify a good as originating in a territory or a region in a Member State of the World Trade Organization or a State that deals with the Kingdom of Bahrain on reciprocal basis, where a given quality, reputation or other characteristics of such goods, which affect the sales promotion thereof are essentially attributable to its geographical origin.
Such indications shall be protected, provided that they have acquired protection in the country of origin.
A penalty of imprisonment for not less than three months and not more than a year, and/or a fine of not less than 500 Bahraini Dinars and not exceeding 2000 Bahraini Dinars, shall be imposed upon any person committing any of the following acts:
1. Using means in the designation or presentation of a product that indicates or suggests that the product in question originates in a geographical area other than the true place of origin in a manner, which misleads the public.
2. Using a geographical indication in a manner that causes unfair competition and contradicts with honest practices.
Minister of Commerce shall issue the implementing regulations and decisions necessary to implement the provisions of the aforementioned law.