Co-legislators Signed the Regulation on Geographical Indications for Craft and Industrial Products

On 18 October 2023, the European Parliament and the Council of the European Union came together at the Strasbourg plenary to sign the regulation establishing geographical indication (GI) protection for craft and industrial products.

The main goal of this law is to create a unified EU-wide protection system that preserves the names of regionally acclaimed crafts and industrial products like glass, lace, or natural stones. This protection aims to safeguard traditional know-how and cultural heritage. Furthermore, the regulation will bring consistency to the various national frameworks that have historically managed the registration, validation, and enforcement of geographical indications. The new system will provide a level of protection for GIs of non-agricultural products, considering the distinct nature of craft and industrial items.   

This regulation is one of the key proposals under the Intellectual Property Action Plan, which was presented by the European Commission in November 2020 and in April 2022, the Commission adopted the proposal for a regulation on geographical indications for craft and industrial products.

After the co-signature at the Strasbourg plenary, this regulation will undergo publication in the Official Journal of the European Union in early November. Upon publication, it will become effective on the twentieth day following this release. The majority of the provisions, including those permitting the submission of applications, will become applicable 25 months after the initial publication.