As of December 1, 2025, producers of craft and industrial products will be able to file applications for protection as a geographical indication (GI) with the EUIPO. Although the Regulation entered into force on 16 November 2023, the system will become operational on 1 December 2025. This new EU framework extends GI protection beyond agricultural products, wines, and spirits, providing official recognition of origin for products such as textiles and clothing, glass or ceramic items, metal goods or watches, as well as leather and wood products.
The main goal of this reform is to provide non-agricultural products with uniform European protection, while strengthening their commercial recognition and preserving the reputation associated with their geographical origin.
What is a Geographical Indication?
A geographical indication is an intellectual property right that identifies a product as originating from a specific region, where its quality, reputation, or other characteristic is attributable to that origin. To be eligible for protection, at least one stage of production must take place within the defined geographical area.
Change in protection scope
Before this reform, GI protection mainly concerned agricultural products, wines, and spirits, often at a national level or limited to certain markets. Applications were submitted nationally or through a restricted European procedure, and the resulting monopoly applied only to the registered product.
From December 1, 2025, protection will extend to craft and industrial products and allow European registration via the EUIPO, effective across all EU Member States. Protection criteria now include a documented link to the geographical area, in addition to origin, quality, or reputation. Once registered, the GI will appear in a single European register, providing uniform protection and enabling recourse in case of infringement.
Once registered, the GI will be listed in the EU register, providing uniform protection across all Member States.
Implications for producers and companies
Producer groups (such as artisans’ associations, cooperatives, or other organizations representing producers or processors), are eligible to apply for registration of a geographical indication for their craft or industrial products. In specific and duly justified cases, an individual producer may also file an application. (e.g. when they are the sole producer within the defined geographical area or when the product’s characteristics warrant such an exception.)
Once registered, these actors can now benefit from a harmonized European protection framework, which offers several key advantages:
- Exclusive use of the geographical name: only producers within the defined area can label their product with the GI.
- Legal protection against misuse: third parties are prevented from using the name for products not originating from the designated area.
- Control over production standards: product characteristics and production methods are regulated, ensuring authenticity and quality.
- Enhanced marketing potential: GI status signals quality and origin, serving as a strong selling point, particularly in international markets.
- Increased product value: official recognition of origin can enhance the reputation and market price of the product.
These actors must also meet certain obligations:
- They must demonstrate the link with the geographical area, meaning at least one stage of production, processing, or elaboration occurs within the region, and production methods and specific product characteristics are properly documented.
- Once the GI is registered, it is necessary to monitor the market and act against unauthorized use to maintain the effectiveness of the protection.
Preparing applications for Geographical Indications
Although applications can be filed starting in December 2025, it is recommended to start preparing dossiers now. Producers seeking to register a geographical indication can receive support from different actors depending on the type of assistance required:
- For legal and intellectual property aspects: IP firms, such as IFORI, can provide guidance on formal requirements, dossier structure, and compliance with legal standards.
- For documenting evidence of origin, production methods, and product characteristics: organizations specializing in geographical indications can provide technical and methodological advice to build a robust application. Examples include the Belgian Intellectual Property Office (IPObel), the Walloon Public Service (SPW), and the Association of European Regions for Products of Origin (AREPO). These organizations can help compile historical records, document traditional techniques, and define product characteristics that are unique to the region. We can assist producers by acting as a point of contact, facilitating communication with these bodies, and helping to centralize the necessary information and documentation to prepare a complete file.
- For coordination among producers and collective data gathering: local producer associations, cooperatives, or producer groups can help centralize information and define product standards. Examples include the Association of Winemakers of Wallonia, Sociétés Coopératives Agricoles Réunies (SCAR), and Nature et Progrès Belgium, which can facilitate collaboration, organize workshops, and standardize production methods across all members. We can support these efforts by coordinating exchanges and ensuring that the collective application process runs smoothly.
By combining these different areas of expertise, producers can maximize their chances of successful registration while ensuring the protection and promotion of their products in national and international markets.
Useful resources
- EUIPO Geographical Indications Hub
- EU Regulation 2023/2411 on the protection of GIs for craft and industrial products
Do not hesitate to contact us for any questions or to start the protection process for your products.
