From December 1, 2025, a new European Union (EU) regulation comes into force, providing strong protection for geographical indications (GIs) for craft and industrial products. This measure marks an important moment for the European intellectual property regime and the competitiveness of EU manufacturers.
The new system, introduced by Regulation (EU) 2023/2411, will allow European manufacturers of products such as glassmakers, potters, knife makers, and jewelers to register the names of their products within a new EU system for geographical indications. For the first time, this protection, which has long been available for food and beverages, will also cover craft and industrial products, thereby completing the single market for GIs.
Key highlights:
- Protected products: Iconic goods such as Troyan ceramics, Chiprovtsi carpets, Bohemian glass, Limoges porcelain, Solingen knives, and Donegal tweed.
- Objectives: Preserving traditional skills, supporting local jobs, combating counterfeiting, and strengthening regional economies.
- Application: Manufacturers can apply through a recognized association or independently. Applications must include a “product specification” describing the name, production stages, and geographical area of origin.
- Two-stage process: National level (consideration by the competent authority) and EU level (procedure by EUIPO).
- Management: The scheme is managed by the European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO) under the supervision of the Directorate-General for Internal Market, Industry, Entrepreneurship and SMEs of the European Commission (DG GROW).
The Executive Vice-President for Prosperity and Industrial Strategy of the European Commission, Stéphane Séjourné, emphasized the importance of the new system for protecting Europe's craft and industrial heritage, creating new opportunities for growth and international recognition.
Existing national geographical indications for craft and industrial products will expire one year after the entry into force of the new Regulation, namely in December 2026.