Islamabad, August 12, 2026: The Federal Court of Australia has dismissed an appeal filed by India’s Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) in a case concerning the use of the term “Basmati” for rice, strengthening Pakistan’s position that the name cannot be claimed exclusively by a single national authority.
According to a statement issued by the Ministry of Commerce, the Australian court also ordered APEDA to pay the respondent’s costs.
APEDA had sought registration of “Basmati” as a certification trademark for rice in Australia. However, an Australian Registrar of Trade Marks’ Delegate rejected the application on December 22, 2022, ruling that the term could not distinguish rice certified by APEDA from Basmati rice legitimately produced and marketed by other traders.
APEDA subsequently challenged the decision before the Federal Court of Australia. The court has now dismissed the appeal, effectively upholding the earlier findings, including recognition that Basmati rice is also grown in Pakistan and that Pakistani traders have a legitimate right to use the term.
The Ministry of Commerce welcomed the ruling, describing it as a significant development in Pakistan’s longstanding position that Basmati originates from a historically recognised growing region encompassing areas of both Pakistan and India.
The ministry said the decision reinforced the position that no single national authority could claim exclusive rights over the word “Basmati” to the exclusion of producers and exporters from the other country who have a legitimate right to use the name.
Pakistan has consistently opposed attempts by India to secure exclusive rights over the Basmati name in international markets. The Commerce Ministry said it had coordinated with relevant national institutions and stakeholders to protect the interests of Pakistani Basmati growers, millers and exporters.
The ruling is expected to help preserve the right of Pakistani producers and exporters to market authentic Pakistani Basmati rice in Australia while protecting their commercial and intellectual-property interests, the ministry said.
It added that Pakistan would continue efforts to safeguard Basmati as an important part of the country’s agricultural heritage and export identity and pursue its protection in foreign jurisdictions based on its historical origin, established reputation and distinctive qualities.
Federal Minister for Commerce Jam Kamal Khan appreciated the Ministry of Commerce team, concerned officials and stakeholders for their coordinated efforts in safeguarding Pakistan’s legitimate rights and interests in the case.
He described the outcome as an important achievement for Pakistan’s agricultural heritage, commercial interests and export identity.
