On 01 November 2013 two Government Gazette notices on Karoo lamb appeared in terms of the Merchandise Marks Act, 1941, for the prohibition of the use of the words Karoo Lamb, whilst the second is an Annexure on the rules of use of Karoo Lamb. These notices followed a request from the Karoo Development Foundation Trust (KDF) for the proposed prohibition and pertains to use 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 KDF members or any other party in accordance with the "Rules of Use for Karoo Lamb". The notices also indicate that proprietors of prior identical or similar marks already in use will not be affected by this prohibition. Comment is invited by 01 December 2013. The 5-page Government Gazette notice on "The Rules of Use of Karoo Lamb" deals with (1) description of goods, (2) specified standards, (2a) livestock, (2b) origin, (2c) production practices (including grazing and water), (2d) carcass classification, (2e) slaughtering and packaging facilities, and (3) suggested mechanism for complying with rules. Restaurateurs will only be allowed to use the name Karoo Lamb on their menus or in advertisements if they can demonstrate that they acquired the lamb from approved and compliant producers, wholesalers, retailers of distributors.
