A new EU Regulation on the protection of geographical indications for craft and industrial products

In January 2024, a group of stakeholders representing European crafts and industrial sectors joined the Craft & Industrial Geographical Indications Expert Working Group in order to encourage the EU legislative bodies to implement the Regulation (EU) 2023/2411 on the protection of geographical indications for craft and industrial products. 

The Craft & Industrial Geographical Indications Expert Working Group is coordinated by the World Crafts Council Europe (WCCE) and the Fédération Française des Indication Géographiques Industrielles et Artisanales (FFIGIA), and it is chaired by Portugal and France, the two countries which have experience in implementing geographical indications protection systems for craft and industrial products. Other members of the group are: Pierres et Marbres de Wallonie, Italian Confederation of Craft Trades and Small- and Medium-Sized Enterprises (CNA), Donegal Tweet Association, Centro per l’Artigianato Artistico e Tradizionale della Toscana (ARTEX) and Centro de Formação Profissional para o Artesanato e Património (CEARTE).

Craft and industrial products across Europe have lacked uniform intellectual property protection, leaving them vulnerable to counterfeiting and brand dilution. In response, the recently ratified Regulation establishes a standardized framework for safeguarding Craft and Industrial Geographical Indications (CIGIs) across member states. The legislation aims to incentivize quality production, ensure consumer access to authentic products, and strengthen job creation. It also seeks to enhance the global reputation of European craft and industrial products in export markets. The Craft & Industrial Geographical Indications Expert Working Group serves as a liaison between industry bodies and EU institutions, fostering dialogue and collaboration on regulatory matters. Moving forward, the success of the CIGIs system hinges on transparent collaboration between public and private sectors. The Expert Working Group stands ready to play a pivotal role in advancing this critical initiative for European products and territories.

For more information: https://wcc-europe.org/whats-on/news/the-european-crafts-and-industrial-sectors-welcome-the-new-geographical-indications-scheme/