Consortium for Common Food Names Selects Jeff Schwager as New Chair

The Consortium for Common Food Names (CCFN) is pleased to announce the appointment of Jeff Schwager as CCFN’s new Chairman. Schwager brings decades of experience in the food industry – most recently serving as CEO of Sartori from 2009-2022, where he led strategic development and oversaw day-to-day operations of the company.

U.S. Trade Representative Remarks on EU GI Abuses in Special 301 Report

The Consortium for Common Food Names (CCFN), U.S. Dairy Export Council (USDEC) and National Milk Producers Federation (NMPF) today welcomed the U.S. Trade Representative’s prioritization in this year’s Special 301 Report of the importance of preserving U.S. food and beverage producers’ market access rights in the face of persistent efforts by the European Union (EU) to misuse geographical indications (GIs) and create non-tariff barriers to trade in markets around the world.

Judge Rules “Gruyere” is a Common Food Name and Not a Term Exclusive to Europe

A judicial ruling has determined that “gruyere” is a generic style of cheese that can come from anywhere. The decision reaffirms that all cheesemakers, not just those in France or Switzerland, can continue to create and market cheese under this common name.

U.S. Consumers Benefit as CCFN and Allies Successfully Defend Generic Name “Gruyere” in the United States

The Consortium for Common Food Names (CCFN) and a coalition of other U.S. dairy stakeholders prevailed today in their vigorous opposition to lengthy efforts by French and Swiss gruyere associations to trademark the term “gruyere” in the United States. The U.S. Patent and Trademark Office’s (USPTO) Trademark Trial and Appeal Board rejected that application finding that the term gruyere is a generic style of cheese.

U.S. Patent & Trademark Office Bolsters Protection of Common Food Names

The Consortium for Common Food Names (CCFN), U.S. Dairy Export Council (USDEC), National Milk Producers Federation (NMPF), North American Meat Institute (NAMI), National Association of State Departments of Agriculture (NASDA) and American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF) commend the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) for a new examination guide published on Friday that will help ensure that generic terms are given adequate consideration and protection.