Trademark to protect Murano glass from cheap fakes

The trademark — a sticker featuring a glass maker's blow pipe and the Italian inscription "Artistic Glass - Murano" — will appear on all genuine Murano glass, the consortium which markets the products said Thursday."Authentic Murano glass can be distinguished by the components used — a mixture including potassium and soda, but no lead — and the quality of the glassblowers' craftsmanship," said a consortium spokeswoman, Rafaella Cosentino.

But in recent years, Venice has been flooded by fakes, mostly manufactured in China, prompting the consortium to register the trademark with the European Union, she said.

Since the 13th century, Murano, an island in the Venetian lagoon, has been famous for its glasswork, including ornate crystal chandeliers and mirror frames, many of which adorn the palaces of Europe's aristocracy.

While Murano has already registered its logo, the city of Venice is just starting the process to create a trademark for its landmarks. Officials say too many people are making money of Venice paraphernalia without the city benefitting