At this year’s event – held from 13th to 16th April – I have given advice on trademarks and designs which need to be carefully screened and safeguarded to ensure the best possible protection – maximising effectiveness and minimising costs – as assets that shape a company’s image and market positioning. In fact, the growing regulation of Designations of Origin (D.O.) and Protected Geographical Indications (PGI) is strengthening the protection of Quality Food and Beverages.
In particular, I have had the privilege of witnessing the launch of a solution that perfectly exemplifies how technology is put at the service of gastronomic excellence.
The case of Zales & Rego: Innovation in everyday life
The company Zales & Rego 1888 has introduced a system that addresses one of the critical issues in the delicatessen sector: preservation. It is an ingenious mechanism for packaging sliced products (ham, pork loin) and perishable items such as butters or fresh seasonal bunches.
This system not only improves the aesthetics of the packaging but also preserves the product’s organoleptic qualities under optimal conditions. In a market where perceived quality is the determining factor in purchasing decisions, this technical advance represents a substantial competitive advantage.
Legal strategy: Why a Utility Model?
Facing an innovation of this kind, the legal question arises immediately: How do we protect it? To protect Zales & Rego’s exclusive rights, we have just applied to the OEPM (Spanish Patent and Trademark Office) for a Utility Model registration.
What advantages does it offer over a Patent?
Speed: It is a faster process, ideal for sectors where commercialisation cannot wait for all the red tape.
Focussed protection: It is specifically designed for inventions that provide an advantage or improvement in the functionality of existing objects (as is the case with a slicing system), irrespective of the aesthetics of the device.
Effectiveness: It grants the same exclusive right, preventing third parties from manufacturing or selling the same solution without permission.
The packaging sector: A technological battleground
It is important not to underestimate the complexity of packaging. Historically, this field has been very active in terms of Industrial Property. Today, everything from modified atmosphere systems to active and smart packaging that interacts with the food it is protecting.
In such a sophisticated environment, differentiation is no longer optional. It is not enough to simply ‘create something new’, it is essential to:
- Identify which aspects of the development are actually protectable.
- Combine strategies (Utility Models for function, Industrial Design for aesthetics).
- Act quickly to avoid losing international priority.
Conclusion: Innovating without protecting is leaving the door open
The experience at the Salón Gourmets confirms that innovation is not exclusive to technology laboratories; it is present in the way a ham is cut or in the texture of a butter. However, the true competitive edge lies not only in the idea, but in the ability to turn that idea into a corporate asset.
As I always tell my clients, both companies and professionals: in a global and ultra-competitive market, innovating without protection is, in many cases, working for the competition.
Do you have a technical improvement in your product or process? Don’t let your competitive advantage escape. If you want to know whether your innovation qualifies as a Utility Model, contact me and we will work together to design the best protection strategy.
