By Web Desk

ISLAMABAD – Pakistan has welcomed a decision by the Federal Court of Australia to dismiss an appeal filed by India’s Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) in a case concerning exclusive rights to the word “Basmati.”

The court also ordered APEDA to pay the respondent’s legal costs, according to the Ministry of Commerce.

The ministry described the ruling as a significant development supporting Pakistan’s position that Basmati is a geographical indication associated with a historically recognised growing region spanning parts of both Pakistan and India.

APEDA had sought registration of “Basmati” as a certification trademark for rice in Australia. However, an Australian trademark authority rejected the application on December 22, 2022, ruling that the term could not be used to distinguish rice certified by APEDA from Basmati rice legitimately produced and marketed by other traders.

APEDA later challenged the decision before the Federal Court of Australia. The court has now dismissed the appeal, effectively upholding the earlier findings that Basmati rice is also produced in Pakistan and that Pakistani traders have a legitimate right to use the term.

The Ministry of Commerce said the ruling strengthens Pakistan’s position against attempts to secure exclusive international rights over the Basmati name. It maintained that no single national authority should have exclusive control over the term to the exclusion of producers and exporters from other regions with a legitimate claim to Basmati.

The decision is expected to protect the commercial and intellectual-property interests of Pakistani Basmati growers, millers and exporters and preserve their ability to market authentic Pakistani Basmati rice in Australia.

The ministry said it has been working with relevant institutions and stakeholders to defend Pakistan’s interests in international markets and will continue efforts to protect Basmati in foreign jurisdictions based on its historical origin, established reputation and distinctive qualities.

Federal Minister for Commerce Jam Kamal Khan praised officials, ministry teams and stakeholders for their coordinated efforts in the case.

He described the outcome as an important achievement for Pakistan’s agricultural heritage, commercial interests and international export identity.

Published Date: August 15, 2026