This regulation, when approved, will introduce a new geographical indication (GI) for craft and industrial products with qualities linked to the area of production, for example, Bohemian glass or Limoges porcelain.

This new GI protection aims to enable more innovation and investment in crafts by assisting artisans and producers, particularly SMEs, to promote and protect their traditional knowledge and expertise at EU-level in compliance with EU competition laws.

The new regulation also provides for a new competence for the EUIPO regarding the management of the registration procedures for craft and industrial GIs.

Today, it is possible to register a GI for foods, beverages and other agricultural products at EU-level, such as Prosciutto di Parma and Champagne. However, there is an absence of any EU-wide GI protection for craft and industrial goods. This regulation aims to establish directly applicable GI protection for craft and industrial products.

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