Out Now: A New Fact Sheet on Geographical Indications in the European Union

A geographical indication (GI) is an intellectual property right (IPR) that protects the name of a product associated with a specific geographical origin, where its reputation or qualities are inherently tied to that location. GIs offer substantial benefits across various sectors of society, including producers, consumers, and regional economies, as they: 

• Protect traditional knowledge, culinary or cultural heritage
• Serve as a marketing too
• Convey reputation and quality
• Are an efficient legal remedy against fake products
• Facilitate collective management and cost-sharing
• Encourage transparency and sustainable practices

In the EU, geographical indications protect agricultural products and foodstuffs, spirit drinks and wines under the EU geographical indication framework Regulation (EU) 2024/1143. Starting from 1 December 2025, craft and industrial products ‒ such as jewellery, textiles and glass ‒ will also benefit from EU-wide protection as geographical indications under Regulation (EU) 2023/2411.

Our new fact sheet provides an overview of the key aspects of geographical indications, including their types and the registration processes involved.