New EU protection system of geographical indications for craft and industrial products goes live

• From December 1, applications for registration of these new GIs can be filed.
• Geographical indications for craft and industrial products become the third intellectual property right managed and registered by the EUIPO.
• Hundreds of products have been identified within the EU as potentially eligible for the new protection system, including glass, shoes, textiles, and porcelain.

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 December 1, 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 that will help preserve and promote rich artisanal and industrial heritage.

To commemorate this landmark, the EUIPO has organized the “GI Week” from December 1 to 5. 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.

The Executive Director of the EUIPO, João Negrão, said: “The CIGI system holds strong potential. Not only to boost EU competitiveness, but to unlock opportunities in our regions and communities. From small workshops to historic towns, it supports local identity, quality, and sustainable growth. In implementing this system, the EUIPO has put its users first. Developed through close dialogue with artisans, producers, and manufacturers, it reflects real needs and real opportunities. With necessary tools and infrastructure in place, we are ready to ensure a successful rollout and a lasting impact on the EU’s economy and cultural heritage.”

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.

• Standard registration: Applicants should apply for CIGI protection at the competent authority of their Member State. Once approved, the application proceeds to the EUIPO for further assessment.
• Direct registration: Applicants of seven Member States (Denmark, Finland, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands, and Sweden) should file their CIGI applications directly with the EUIPO.

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 GI portal 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 GIs 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, 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 trademarks 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 GIs 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 GIs, 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 the 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.

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