The Department of Trade and Industry (the dti) in terms of the Merchandise Marks Act, 1941 published a notice on 04 February 2014 for the proposed prohibition of the use of certain words. The European Union requested the prohibition of the use of certain words in connection with any trade, business, profession, or occupation or in connection with a trade mark, mark or trade description applied to goods, other than the use thereof by producers of the goods from the countries indicated in the Gazette. The categories of products are (1) fruit, vegetables and cereals fresh or processed; (2) cheeses; (3) meat products; (4) olive oil; (5) fisheries product; (6) beer; and (7) other products. The names listed may only be used to refer to products in the categories, and which are produced in accordance with the conditions for each category as set out on the dti website – http://www.thedti.gov.za/business_regulations/SA_EU.jsp Comment due by 06 March 2014