The European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO) has launched a new protection system of Geographical Indications (GIs) for Craft and Industrial products (CIGI). In 2023 the EU institutions entrusted EUIPO to manage the EU system for protecting craft and industrial products whose quality, value, and reputation can be attributed to their geographical origin. This topic was already discussed within the framework of INSME’s 2025 Annual Meeting in Alicante, co-organized with EUIPO, where attention was given to the implications of the GI system for SMEs. Furthermore, the initiative reflects the policy discussions and outcomes promoted by Ideas Powered for Business, a programme of which INSME is an active member.
Registrations of the names of craft and industrial products in the new system are open as of December 1.
The new system is a milestone achievement destined to prize the European artisanal and industrial heritage and recognize its economic value. Furthermore, this is an important result for European producers and for SMEs in particular. In fact, these past years of the GIs system proved that this legal protection can be a boost for SMEs, empowered through the enhancement of their reputation, the promotion of sustainable practices, and the guarantee of product authenticity.
To commemorate the launch of the new CIGI scheme, from December 1 to 5 the Alicante-based office held the “GI Week”, which brought together stakeholders, policymakers, and producers to celebrate the value of the GIs system and to discuss further opportunities.
Source: EUIPO
