The European Union (EU) has created a new regulatory system for protecting the names of craft and industrial products whose quality, reputation or other characteristics are attributable to their geographical origin.

Starting on 1 December 2025, the European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO) opens applications for the registration of the names of Craft and Industrial products as Geographical Indications (CIGIs). It is a key milestone for producers, communities and regional economies, which will help to preserve and promote rich artisanal and industrial heritage.

To commemorate this landmark, the EUIPO has organised the “GI Week” from 1 to 5 December. This initiative will bring together stakeholders, policymakers and producers from across the EU to celebrate the value of geographical indications and explore the opportunities brought by this new framework. Among the week’s highlights are visits to local producers, a public exhibition, the launch of a dedicated podcast, an event with students at the University of Alicante, an atelier with local artisans and an educational workshop for children hosted at the EUIPO.

What are Geographical Indications?

Geographical Indications (GIs) improve awareness in relation to origin, quality and authenticity. They protect the names of products coming from a specific place, region or country, whose quality, reputation or other characteristics are essentially attributable to its geographical origin. As of today, qualifying craft and industrial products can benefit from EU-wide geographical indication protection.

European craftsmanship thrives in rich diversity across the cities, provinces and regions of the EU. To date, hundreds of products have been identified as potentially eligible for CIGI protection in the EU. These include a wide range of items, such as jewellery, glass, shoes, textiles, porcelain and musical instruments.

How does the CIGI registration procedure work?

Applications for registration of craft and industrial GIs can be filed with the national competent authorities or the EUIPO depending on the type of procedure.

For EU Member States, registration follows a Standard or Direct registration procedure.

Applications for products originating in non-EU countries must be filed before the EUIPO either by the applicants, or through the competent authorities of their countries.

A single registration grants a non-expirable protection throughout the EU.

Detailed information about the filing process is available on the GIportal informative page and the Commission CIGI website.

Why should craft and industrial GIs be protected?

Once a product name has been registered as a CIGI, producers may use the Union symbol for ‘Protected Geographical Indication’. Registration offers a unique economic opportunity for craft and industrial producers to help safeguard the authenticity of their goods, prevent imitation and improve access to high value markets. CIGIs strengthen brand identity and can boost cultural and heritage tourism in their region of origin.

In the social sphere, CIGIs support local employment, foster entrepreneurship, provide a significant boost to SMEs and reinforce pride in place.

Culturally, they preserve and pass on traditional techniques, ensuring that skills honed over generations are carried forward with purpose.

The EUIPO builds on its experience in the GI field

The EUIPO’s journey with Geographical Indications began in 2018 when a small team was selected to assist the European Commission with the pre-assessment of GIs for agricultural products. Since then, the EUIPO has been deeply involved in supporting the GI system.

2023 marked a new milestone, when the EUIPO was entrusted, by the European Commission and the European Parliament and the Council of the EU, with the administration and promotion of GIs for craft and industrial products. Over the past 30 years, the EUIPO has steadily broadened its competencies. From its inception with EU trade marks in 1994, to the management of EU designs since 2003, and more recently contributions to copyright. Today, the EUIPO is expanding once again to include geographical indications for craft and industrial products, further strengthening the EU’s intellectual property system and supporting economic growth.

The EUIPO has actively prepared for this new competence, building strong relationships with producers and their associations. In partnership with the Member States and the European Commission, the EUIPO is raising awareness of this new system through promotional activities and GI Conferences.

The EUIPO has also prepared the necessary tools, infrastructure and guidance to ensure the system is fully operational. These include the streamlined and secure e-filing platform GIportal; GIview, a public, searchable tool with comprehensive information on all EU geographical indications, and the Union Register, the official record of all protected craft and industrial GIs, accessible through GIview. In addition, a dedicated GI Division has been established to manage and lead the CIGI registration procedure.

For comprehensive insights, access to frequently asked questions, and detailed information regarding the new system, please consult the GI Hub on the EUIPO website. Kindly note that Guidelines are currently in development and will be made available in due course.

The EUIPO also offers a range of webinars and certified courses on Geographical Indications, which you can explore here.

Source: https://www.euipo.europa.eu/en/news/new-eu-protection-system-of-geographical-indications-for-craft-and-industrial-products-goes-live