THE EUROPEAN COMMISSION PROPOSES NEW GEOGRAPHICAL INDICATION SYSTEM FOR CRAFT AND INDUSTRIAL PRODUCTS
The European Commission has presented a proposal for the first ever EU framework to protect the geographical indication (GI) of craft and industrial products in the EU.
The proposal, which is meant to protect products that rely on the originality and authenticity of traditional practices from their regions, outlines an application system involving both designated authorities in the EU Member States and the EUIPO.
An expansion of the GI system
A GI is a sign or mark used on products that have a specific geographical origin and possess qualities or a reputation that are due to that origin.
The GI system, which includes both EU regulation and international conventions, prevents third parties from using the sign or mark, if their products do not conform to the applicable standards, e.g., not being produced in a specific region.
Most notably the EU has introduced a GI system for agri-products, whereby certain food products are only allowed to bear a protected name if they are produced in a certain way in a certain region. Such a protection has been given to a wide range of products such as feta cheese, Parma ham, and Bavarian beer.
The proposed regulation will introduce a similar GI protection for craft and industrial products. The European Commission has highlighted Murano glass, Donegal tweed, Porcelaine de Limoges, Solingen cutlery, and Boleslawiec pottery as examples of what might be covered by the new framework.
Two-stop-shop application process
It will be the EUIPO and the designated authorities in the EU Member States that will decide, which craft and industrial products will be given protection.
Producers will initially file their GI application with the designated authorities in their Member State. If the national authorities determine that the application fulfills the requirements for GI protection, it will be sent for further evaluation and approval at the EUIPO.
In Member States without a national evaluation procedure the application can be sent directly to the EUIPO.
Our Comments
It is positive to see the EU GI system being expanded, as it entails better protection for producers while helping consumers to recognize quality and locally produced products.
From a Danish point of view, it is encouraging that craft and industrial products were chosen as the next focus for the GI system, as Denmark has a strong position with many respected producers in these fields. Denmark currently only holds one GI protection (for Danablu cheese) under the current EU GI system.
The European Commission proposal can be read here.