EU Geographical Indication scheme for craft and industry takes effect

Brussels – More than three years after the European Commission’s proposal, the new quality protection system for the industrial and craft sectors officially entered into force. Starting today, 1 December, applications can be submitted to the European Union Office for Intellectual Property (EUIPO) to register to obtain Geographical Indication (GI) certification for craft and industrial products. The special label will ensure quality, reputation, or other typical characteristics attributable to the good’s geographical area of origin, as it is placed on the market. 

 The activation of quality certification means expanding the concept of “Made in,” which for “Made in Italy” means the possibility of protection against counterfeiting or fraud for products such as Carrara marble, Murano glass, Deruta ceramics, and Faenza majolica. In Italy, as in the rest of the European Union, “the geographical indications system has strong potential,” emphasises EUIPO Executive Director, João Negrão. This new system, he stresses, “does not just boost the EU’s competitiveness, but it also opens up opportunities across regions and communities.” How? Industrial and craft geographical indications “strengthen brand identity and can promote cultural and historical tourism in their region of origin.”

All producers need to do is go to the dedicated portal and complete the recognition application for the relevant trade protection. The likelihood of being awarded the label and receiving the resulting protections is high because the EUIPO notes, “to date hundreds of products have been identified as potentially eligible for protection in the EU.” These include a wide range of items, such as jewelry, glass, shoes, textiles, porcelain, and musical instruments. 

To support producers in this new phase, the EUIPO is holding GI Week through 5 December, featuring open days at its Alicante office in Spain and visits to local producers, to highlight the new rules taking effect today.