Quevedo & Ponce - Noticias Legales
Traditional Specialties Guaranteed (ETG) in Ecuador: Protecting Tradition with Legal Recognition
- June 10th, 2025
- Quevedo & Ponce
Traditional Specialties Guaranteed (ETG) are a legal category within Ecuador’s intellectual property framework, aimed at protecting agri-food products whose composition or method of preparation is based on traditional practices passed down through generations. Unlike Designations of Origin or Geographical Indications, ETGs do not require a specific territorial link; rather, their legal value is founded on authenticity and the continuity of cultural tradition.
The purpose of this legal recognition is to preserve Ecuador’s cultural and gastronomic heritage, reinforce national identity, and enable legitimate product differentiation in the market. In addition, ETGs provide effective protection against imitation, misuse, and acts of unfair competition.
ETGs are regulated under the Organic Code of the Social Economy of Knowledge, Creativity and Innovation (Código de Ingenios). This legal framework allows for the registration of agricultural or food products with at least thirty years of documented tradition in their preparation or composition. The registration grants the holder the exclusive right to use the “ETG” designation, as well as access to legal remedies for the protection of their product in the marketplace.
The registration process is managed by the National Service for Intellectual Rights (SENADI), in coordination with the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock (MAG) and, where applicable, with the National Institute of Cultural Heritage (INPC) for products linked to intangible heritage.
Since 2017, Ecuador has officially recognized the following Traditional Specialties Guaranteed:
- Bizcocho de Cayambe (Cayambe)
- Cascaritas (Azogues)
- Ceviche de canchalagua (Galápagos)
- Chugchucaras (Latacunga)
- Tamal lojano (Loja)
- Mote pata (Cuenca)
- Sango de verde (Machala)
- Encanutado de bocachico (Quevedo)
- Encebollado (Esmeraldas)
- Cocada negra (Esmeraldas)
These products represent the richness and diversity of Ecuadorian cuisine. Their ETG status guarantees authenticity, safeguards the ancestral knowledge behind their preparation, and fosters fair and sustainable economic development in local communities.
At Quevedo & Ponce, we provide expert legal counsel in intellectual property, cultural heritage, and collective rights. Our team supports clients through every stage of the ETG application, registration, and enforcement process before SENADI.
Más Artículos
“Bimbo” Brand Rejected in Switzerland: The Importance of Cultural Perceptions in Trademark Registration
In the world of intellectual property, trademark protection involves not only legal aspects but also the social impact of the terms used. A recent case in Switzerland highlights how a trademark can be rejected if its name has immoral or insensitive connotations towards specific social groups.
Administrative Tribunal of Quito Protects the Rights of a Designation Of Origin Registered in the European Union and WIPO
Quevedo & Ponce successfully acted on behalf of the Consorzio Produttori e Tutela della DOP FONTINA in response to a lawsuit filed by an Ecuadorian company, which primarily argued that FONTINA was not registered in Ecuador. However, the Administrative Litigation Tribunal located in the Metropolitan District of Quito upheld the challenged administrative act, citing the risk of consumer confusion and applying Decision 486 of the Andean Community, emphasizing the importance of protecting designations of origin, even without formal registration in Ecuador.
How to Protect Your Business from Litigation: Basic Legal Tips
Litigation can pose risks to your company’s resources and reputation. To prevent such risks, it is essential to adopt preventive measures, including drafting clear and comprehensive contracts, ensuring compliance with labor laws, safeguarding intellectual property, maintaining transparent accounting practices, engaging the services of a specialized attorney, and promoting internal conflict resolution. With appropriate legal counsel, you can protect your business and ensure its uninterrupted growth, free from legal disruptions.
No severance compensation for public servants in cases of voluntary retirement to benefit from retirement: New binding jurisprudential precedent for Ecuador
This resolution specifically applies to public servants who retire (cease their duties) to benefit from retirement, as provided in Article 47 of the Organic Law of the Public Service (LOSEP)
Creation of Judicial Units Specialized in Constitutional Matters
The establishment of judicial units specialized in constitutional matters, as well as specialized chambers within second instance courts nationwide, was decreed through Resolution No. 006-2025 by the Plenary Session of the Council of the Judiciary.
