NATIONAL Rums of Jamaica Limited (NRJ), which oversees Long Pond Distillers and Clarendon Distilleries Limited, has approached the court to contest the ruling made by the Jamaica Intellectual Property Office (JIPO) on October 2 concerning the geographical indication of ‘Jamaica Rum’.

The dispute over the specifications defining Jamaica rum has spanned nearly four years, culminating with JIPO’s decision to incorporate the term “only” into the definition, thereby preventing the aging of the spirit outside of Jamaica.

This modification was one of eight additional guidelines included in the geographical indication for Jamaica rum as JIPO resolved the conflict between NRJ and the Spirits Pool Association.

In response, NRJ has turned to the legal system, asserting that it aims “to protect the heritage and value of its brands, along with those of its partners who have contributed to establishing Jamaica rum as a high-quality product on the global stage”.

As reported by NRJ, an appeal was submitted to the Supreme Court on October 31, 2024, addressing significant issues that require the court’s evaluation and resolution.

NRJ, which matures some of its rum internationally, has urgently requested the court’s assistance while awaiting the appeal hearing, due to what it claims are the immediate implications stemming from the ruling and the actions taken by the registrar following it.

“For more than 200 years, NRJ and its predecessor companies and distilleries have made significant contributions to Jamaica’s rum legacy, building a global reputation that bolsters both Jamaica’s economy and its vibrant cultural heritage,” stated NRJ’s CEO Martha Miller.

“This longstanding tradition, supported by leading international spirits brands that procure Jamaica rum from NRJ, has not only enhanced our brands’ worldwide presence but also sustained countless Jamaican families, enterprises, and communities — particularly in Clarendon and Trelawny. We are looking forward to the court’s evaluation of the decision,” Miller further remarked.

She stated that NRJ is dedicated to maintaining the true character of Jamaica rum and upholding the traditional practices that have earned it global recognition.

The Spirits Pool Association encompasses four prominent distilleries — National Rums, J Wray & Nephew, Worthy Park, and Everglades Farms Limited.

In light of the decision from JIPO, the Spirits Pool Association announced in a media statement, “This ruling ensures that Jamaica rum can exclusively be produced in Jamaica, utilizing naturally filtered limestone water sourced from designated geographical areas, aged in small barrels not exceeding 250 litres, crafted from food-grade wood, and derived from sugar cane materials such as molasses and sugar cane juice, employing unique copper distillation stills. Most significantly, it prohibits the addition of sugar or any other substances post-distillation and mandates that it be aged solely in Jamaica.”

NRJ’s legal representation in court is provided by Lindo Legal, which has engaged Patrick Foster, KC, Grace Lindo, and Mark Paul Cowan for the appeal.