Malaysia has updated its trademark protection for the Musang King durian, anticipating price adjustments in the Chinese market, where the fruit is highly valued. The Agriculture and Food Security Minister, Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu, stated that the extension will last until March 2034, with the aim to prevent misuse of the name by other countries, as reported by Bernama.
The Musang King brand is recognized under Geographical Indication, safeguarding the product's association with its origin. This IP right enables holders to restrict the use of the name by entities not meeting the specified production standards or geographical origin, as outlined by the World Intellectual Property Organization.
Experts in the field, including Mark Teng and Lim Chin Khee, have expressed that this renewal will protect the Musang King's unique identity and ensure consumers in China receive genuine products. The protection also addresses issues of counterfeit products being sold under the Musang King label, a practice that has been noted with durians from Thailand, Vietnam, and Hainan.
The premium pricing of Musang King durians in China reflects their esteemed status, with prices significantly exceeding those of other varieties. The IP protection renewal is viewed as a strategic move to maintain high market prices, according to Peng Peng, who works with Shenzhen-based importers.
Despite the potential for price increases, the demand for Musang King durians in China remains strong. However, consumers like Zhao Yu note that while the IP renewal secures the product's authenticity, the abundance of choices in the market means that the extension of IP rights does not greatly influence consumer preference.
The Musang King durian is celebrated for its quality and flavor, commanding the highest prices among durian varieties in China, the largest consumer of the fruit. With a 70% increase in durian imports to China last year, Malaysia's contribution to this market is significant, and the country's agriculture ministry forecasts further growth in durian exports by 2030.
Source: VNEXPRESS