
It is an offence under Section 7 of the Coffee Industry Regulations ('the Regulations') to sell Jamaican coffee (with the exception of licensed wholesalers and retailers). It is also an offence under Section 11 of the Regulations to purchase, sell or export coffee with the words "Blue Mountain" unless written authorization is received from the Coffee Industry Board ('CIB'). Both offences are punishable. Both offences are punishable under Section 15 of the Regulations by summary conviction in the Resident Magistrate's Court.
Foriegn Importers of Jamaican coffee are required to be registered with the CIB and authorized by it to use the relevant trade marks.
In order to avoid prosecution for trade mark infringement, it is recommended that all persons intending to deal in Jamaican coffee products obtain the relevant licence or authorization from the CIB. It is also important that consumers contact the CIB in order to verify the authenticity of products that purport to contain coffee from Jamaica (whether it be Jamaica Blue Mountain or Jamaica High Mountain coffee, as both are registered Trade Marks of the CIB).