Poland's Landmark Ruling Upholds Prosecco DOC's Geographical Indication Rights

Landmark Ruling for Prosecco DOC

In a significant legal achievement, the Regional Court of Warsaw rendered its first ruling aimed at protecting the 'Prosecco' designation against unauthorized use, laying down a precedent that resonates throughout Europe. This decision comes after extensive efforts by Sistema Prosecco to ensure the authentic use of the term Prosecco, crucial for both reputation management and consumer protection.

On June 11, 2025, the court sided with three main consortia: the Consorzio di Tutela Prosecco DOC, Consorzio di Tutela Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco DOCG, and Consorzio Vini Asolo Montello. The ruling addressed an infringement case concerning a well-known U.S. multinational corporation marketing beauty products in Poland that misused the term Prosecco. The court established that using Prosecco in such a context amounts to unlawful evocation, which misleads consumers and exploits the term's esteemed reputation.

As the court highlighted in its judgment, the use of the Prosecco designation for body care items was found to violate the regulations set for geographical indications (GI). Notably, this case marks the first instance where a Polish court has adjudicated on GI infringements concerning non-food products. The ruling sends a strong message and stands as a pivotal landmark for all similar designations across various sectors in Europe.

Following this victory, Sistema Prosecco will shift its focus towards addressing misuse in the service industry, recognizing that the term Prosecco is frequently misused in that arena as well. Notably, the court affirmed the legal standing of the Consorzio Prosecco DOC, empowering it to defend against unfair competition practices—which is essential in maintaining the integrity of producers in the region.

Giancarlo Guidolin, President of Consorzio di Tutela Prosecco DOC, hailed the decision, emphasizing its importance for the protection of geographical indications. He stated that this ruling illustrates the success of their joint protective measures in conjunction with Sistema Prosecco. Guidolin’s sentiments were echoed by the presidents of the other consortia, underlining a unified front in safeguarding the integrity of their products.

Sistema Prosecco's President, Giancarlo Moretti Polegato, reiterated the court's reaffirmation that the title Prosecco should only be associated with products meeting stringent production regulations. He emphasized that the consortia will remain vigilant in combating the misuse of the Prosecco name across all markets.

The Prosecco DOC Consortium, responsible for regulating this designation since its establishment in 2009, has worked tirelessly to ensure quality and authenticity in prosecution of its products globally. With the endorsement of the state label on every bottle, consumers can reconcile the high standards of production with the enjoyment of Prosecco's sparkling wines. This ruling allows Prosecco to maintain its exclusivity not just in wines but also in how the term is referenced in broader market contexts.

As the Prosecco DOC continues to expand its influence—including the introduction of the Prosecco DOC Rosé category—this ruling paves the way for better protection and proactive measures in keeping with the evolving marketplace, enhancing the consumer's experience while ensuring integrity and authenticity in the Prosecco brand.

For additional information about Prosecco DOC and its protective measures, visit.