Today, the European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO) held the first plenary meeting of the Advisory Board for Craft and Industrial Geographical Indications (CIGIs) marking an important milestone in the implementation of the new EU framework for the protection of craft and industrial geographical indications.

The meeting provided an initial platform for exchange on key horizontal and organisational issues linked to the implementation of the CIGI system aiming at ensuring an efficient, coherent and consistent application of the new Regulation across the European Union.

Supporting EUIPO’s new competence

The Advisory Board plays a central role in supporting EUIPO’s newly acquired competence in the field of craft and industrial geographical indications. Its mandate is threefold:

• to provide general opinions on the assessment of quality criteria, the establishment of a geographical indication’s reputation, the determination of the generic nature of names and the assessment of potential risks of consumer confusion.

• to offer expert opinions on specific geographical indication applications when requested by EUIPO’s Geographical Indications Division, the Boards of Appeal or the European Commission.

• and to act as a forum for cooperation between Member States, the Commission and the Office, facilitating the exchange of best practices and promoting the efficiency of national procedures.

Key topics and outcomes

During its first plenary meeting the Advisory Board elected its Chairperson and Deputy Chairperson, formally enabling the body to begin operating under the Regulation and its Rules of Procedure.

Also, members discussed the mandate and working methods of the Advisory Board, received updates on the implementation of the Craft and Industrial Geographical Indications Regulation from EUIPO and the European Commission and exchanged views on progress at national level in the Member States. The meeting also included an initial discussion on the Guidelines for Geographical Indications for craft and industrial products, which will support consistent application of the new system.

Next steps

Following this inaugural meeting, the Advisory Board will become fully operational and ready to exercise its functions in line with the Geographical Indications Regulation and its Rules of Procedure. EUIPO’s Geographical Indications Division, and where applicable the Boards of Appeal, may consult the Advisory Board at any stage of the procedures for registration, opposition, appeal, amendment of product specifications or cancellation of registrations.

The establishment and activation of the Advisory Board represent a significant step forward in the roll-out of the EU system for the protection of craft and industrial geographical indications, reinforcing cooperation among EU institutions and Member States and contributing to the effective protection of Europe’s cultural and industrial heritage.

Source: https://www.euipo.europa.eu/en/news/euipo-holds-first-plenary-meeting-of-the-advisory-board-for-craft-and-industrial-geographical-indications