New EU-wide protection for geographical indications of craft and industrial products

From December 2025, craft and industrial products in accordance with Regulation (EU) 2023/2411 will benefit fully from EU-wide protection of geographical indications (g.i.).

On 16 November 2023, a landmark EU Regulation on the protection of geographical indications for craft and industrial products came into force. For the first time at EU level, names for craft and industrial products are protected that are unique by virtue of their regional origin and traditional manufacture. According to the EU Commission, the Regulation applies to craft and industrial products such as natural stone, jewellery, textiles, lace, cutlery, glass and porcelain. The new rules will also place special protection on products such as pottery, cuckoo clocks, musical instruments and furniture.

How is manufacturer protection improved through geographical indications?

Whilst agricultural products such as Champagne or Prosciutto di Parma have been protected by geographical indications (g.i.) for years, there has been no uniform protection for craft and industrial products to date. This meant that manufacturers had to rely on different national regulations, which made it difficult to protect their traditional products. The new geographical indications for craft and industrial products such as knife-making goods from Solingen or Black Forest cuckoo clocks are intended in future to strengthen regions and manufacturers in European and worldwide competition.

The European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO) has been designated as the competent authority for the registration of geographical indications for craft and industrial products. From 1 December 2025, manufacturers can submit a single application that applies to all EU Member States.

The application process takes place in two steps:

1. Examination at national level by the competent authorities of the Member States.
2. Forwarding to the EUIPO for final assessment and registration.

Manufacturers from countries that have received an exemption from the EU Commission may register directly with the EUIPO.

With a registered protected geographical indication (g.i.) manufacturers may use the official EU seal for geographical indications. This label allows consumers to see at a glance that it is an authentic product with regional origin.

From 1 December 2025, manufacturers can submit their products for registration. From 2 December 2026, national protection rights will be replaced by the new EU-wide system. The EUIPO is currently developing digital platforms such as GIportal and the GIview database to improve the administration and transparency of geographical indications.

Conclusion

The EU Regulation 2023/2411 is a significant step towards the preservation and promotion of traditional craft and art in Europe – and at the same time strengthens the protection and recognition of regional products worldwide.