Brussels, 5 June 2025
Today, the EU Commission decided that businesses in Denmark, Finland, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands, and Sweden can register their craft and industrial geographical indications (such as traditional products) directly with the European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO). The new EU system for Geographical Indications for Craft and Industrial Products (CIGIs) will help Member States protect the names of products that have a specific quality, reputation or other characteristic linked to their geographical origin.
These Member States have chosen not to designate a national competent authority for handling CIGI applications. As a result, applicants from these countries will submit their requests for registration, amendments, or cancellations directly to the European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO).
Today’s decisions ensure a proportionate and flexible approach, reflecting the administrative context and needs of each Member State. The Regulation was adopted in 2023 and will apply as of 1 December 2025, when producers from across the EU will be able to start submitting applications for CIGI registration. The other 20 Member States will follow the ordinary two-steps procedure with an examination authority at national level, followed by the EU phase before the EUIPO. Examples of candidate CIGIs are Iitala glass or Royal Copenhagen porcelain.