New Zealand High Court Rejects India’s Appeal in Basmati Trademark Case, Boosting Pakistan’s Global Position

New Zealand’s High Court has rejected India’s appeal in the ongoing Basmati trademark dispute, delivering a major win for Pakistan in the global battle over the rice’s geographical identity. The court upheld an earlier ruling that denied India exclusive certification rights for the term “Basmati,” reaffirming that the rice variety is traditionally cultivated in both Pakistan and India.

This outcome prevents India from monopolizing the name in New Zealand’s market and strengthens Pakistan’s legal and trade position in future international trademark cases. The decision also reinforces the long-standing recognition that Basmati is a shared regional heritage rather than a product of a single country.