The European Union (EU) has expanded its geographical indication (GI) scheme to cover certain non-agricultural products in a bid to protect the integrity of goods produced within the 27-strong economic and political bloc.
According to a 1 December statement from the EU’s executive branch, the European Commission, the move will enable a range of companies – from glassblowers and jewellers to potters and cutlers – to register the name of their products under the initiative and gain EU-wide protection.
GI indications are, as the Commission outlines, intellectual property rights that connect an item’s features, reputation or qualities to a specific location, enabling producers to safeguard against imitations and prevent the misuse of names.
The Commission said the new programme will protect products including Bohemian glass, Donegal tweed, Limoges porcelain and Solingen knives. “Existing national craft and industrial GIs will end one year after the Regulation takes effect, in December 2026,” it added.
The craft and industrial GI scheme is being run by the EU Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO), with the Commission providing supervision. The Commission may, it said, “intervene where a registration could affect public policy or the EU's trade and external relations.”
What SMEs need to know
Producers and SMEs interested in applying for GI can do so individually or via a recognised association, which involves several steps. Applications must have a product specification that details the geographical area, production process and name of the item.
This needs to be sent to the relevant national authority, which will review the application and conduct a national opposition procedure.
Once this has been completed, the EUIPO – whose website has detailed information on the new scheme – undertakes a review of the application and an EU-wide opposition procedure before deciding on protection and registration.
“Denmark, Finland, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands and Sweden have obtained a derogation for the national phase and producers will exceptionally be able to apply directly to the EU Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO), which manages the whole procedure,” the Commission said.
Safeguarding skills
The launch of the scheme has been welcomed by Stéphane Séjourné, the Commission’s executive vice-president for prosperity and industrial strategy. “Europe’s craft and industrial heritage is a source of pride and prosperity for our regions and territories,” he said.
“With the launch of the new Geographical Indications system for craft and industrial products, we are not only safeguarding the unique skills and traditions of our artisans, but also creating new opportunities for growth, jobs and many SMEs,” he added.
“We are expanding Europe’s international recognition and worldwide standing. This protection ensures that authentic European products can thrive in global markets, strengthening local economies, supporting EU’s competitiveness and preserving our cultural identity for generations to come.”