KUALA LUMPUR, Sept. 10 -- The Geographical Indications (GI) Act 2022 (Act 836) made its first headlines yesterday, nearly three years after it came into force.

A coffee manufacturing company and its 53-year-old director were charged in the Johor Bahru Sessions Court with misusing the registered geographical indication "Tenom Coffee" on the packaging of their products.

This is the first prosecution of its kind under the relatively little-known GI Act 2022.

What is the GI Act 2022?

A geographical indication (GI) is a sign or name used on products that originate from a specific region and possess qualities, reputation or characteristics linked to that origin.

The GI Act 2022, which took effect on March 18, 2022, repeals and replaces the...