On 1 December 2025, a new regulation on the harmonised protection of geographical indications for craft and industrial products entered into force.

Geographical indications protect product names whose quality, reputation, or distinctive characteristics are linked to their place of production in a specific country, region, or locality.

Previously, this protection was limited to wines, spirit drinks, agricultural, and food products. However, the new regulation extends it to a large variety of craft and industrial products, including jewellery, textiles and glass. Every authorised geographical origin can be viewed on the EUIPO’s public database.

Geographical indications are collective rights that producers can exercise once they submit a product specification showing that the product name originates from a specific place, its quality, reputation or distinctive characteristic is linked to that place, and at least one stage of production occurs there. Once these requirements are met, the name is protected against misuse, imitation, and misleading indications, including subtle expressions like “style,” “type,” “method,” “as produced in,” or “like”.

Overall, this regulation benefits both consumers and producers;

Consumers can trust that a registered geographical indication reflects genuine local origin and make more informed purchasing decisions. At the same time, it supports fair competition and provides stronger protection for cultural heritage and traditional know-how.

For small producers in particular, this is a game-changer: they can now better safeguard their local reputation and benefit from recognition and protection across the EU.