Sweet as Honey: Trademark & Geographical Indication Protection in the Seychelles

A significant shift is happening in the Seychelles intellectual property landscape. With the government’s focused effort to secure the nation’s first-ever Geographical Indication for its regional honey, there has never been a more critical time for businesses to understand the power of IP protection. At De Beer Attorneys, we help brands and producers navigate these opportunities, ensuring your name, your products, and your legacy are securely protected under Seychelles law.

Seychelles’ First Geographical Indication

The move to protect Seychelles honey as a GI is a landmark moment. This initiative, facilitated through the AfrIPI project, and supported by the EUIPO and ARIPO, highlights the immense value of products defined by their origin. For local beekeepers and producers, GI status will legally link the honey’s exceptional qualities, derived from the islands' biodiversity and traditions, to its geographical source. This move will prevent imitation and allows authentic producers to command a premium in the market, following the successful model of products like Rooibos tea in South Africa or Champagne in France.

This pioneering step paves the way for other unique Seychelles products, from spices to crafts and textiles, to gain the same protection.

Securing Your Brand with a Trademark in the Seychelles

Alongside GIs, securing your individual brand identity in the Seychelles remains a commercial imperative. A registered trademark in the Seychelles gives you the exclusive right to use your brand name and logo, providing a vital defence against copycats and building crucial value for your business.

The Trademark Registration Process in Seychelles

Navigating the trade mark prosecution process in the Seychelles requires regional expertise. Our team at De Beer Attorneys manage the entire process for you, from conducting comprehensive trademark searches to ensure your chosen mark is available, to handling filing of the trademark application and other prosecutorial steps, we work tirelessly to ensure that your trademark application in the Seychelles is robust and defensible.

How De Beer Attorneys Supports Your IP Goals in the Seychelles

The evolving IP environment in the Seychelles demands advisors who are both locally aware and internationally minded. We provide more than just paperwork; we offer strategic counsel tailored to your specific commercial objectives.

Our IP Services for the Seychelles Market

Our support includes:

• Geographical Indication: We will provide applicants with updates on the progress towards integrating Geographical Indications (GIs) into Seychelles' IP legal framework.

• Seychelles Trademark Registration: Comprehensive management of your trademark portfolio.

• IP Enforcement: Protecting your registered rights against infringement.

• Strategic Portfolio Management: Advice for leveraging your IP assets for growth.

The move to protect Seychelles' distinct honey is a clear signal of the growing importance of intellectual property in the region. Whether you are a local producer of a unique good or an international business building a brand, securing your rights is the foundation of long-term success in commerce.

Ready to Start Your IP Registration Journey in the Seychelles? We're Here to Help

Our team of attorneys are ready to discuss how we can help you with trademark registration or navigating the new GI landscape in the Seychelles. Contact De Beer Attorneys for a consultation to at info@debeerattorneys.com

This information was last updated on 9 September 2025. This information is for general educational and entertainment purposes and is subject to change at any time.