The legal battle over what defines Jamaican rum continues, as the National Rums of Jamaica (NRJ) has filed an appeal against a ruling by the Jamaica Intellectual Property Office (JIPO). A hearing is scheduled for April 28.
In October last year, JIPO approved amendments to the geographical indication (GI) designation for Jamaica Rum, originally established in 2016. The most significant change prohibits aging the rum overseas.
The amendment was requested by the Spirits Pool Association (SPA), the trade organization representing Jamaica&rsquo;s six rum distilleries&mdash;Appleton (owned by J. Wray and Nephew), Clarendon, Hampden Estate, Long Pond, New Yarmouth, and Worthy Park Estate.
The outcome of the appeal could have major implications for the industry and the definition of authentic Jamaican rum.

The legal battle over what defines Jamaican rum continues, as the National Rums of Jamaica (NRJ) has filed an appeal against a ruling by the JIPO

NRJ Appeals JIPO Ruling in Ongoing Jamaican Rum Dispute