Universo PI - Safeguarding our Heritage, Cultivating our Future

The "Universo PI" section, which we launched on LinkedIn to mark the 48th anniversary of INPI in 2024, features in this edition the testimony of João Negrão, Executive Director of the European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO).

It’s no secret that Europe, my home country Portugal included, have a unique cultural heritage. People visit our continent to taste authentic products such as Douro wine or turrón de Alicante, and to see centuries of craftsmanship that we find in products like our beloved azulejos, Murano glass or Porcelaine de Limoges.

Geographical Indications, or GIs, are a powerful tool for European producers, allowing them to differentiate their products and connect with consumers on a deeper level, while transmitting the unspoken link with their place of origin.

By registering a GI, producers can ensure that their products are recognised and respected for their unique characteristics, which are often deeply rooted in traditional skills and regional authenticity. This not only helps to promote local economies but also preserves the cultural heritage of our communities.

The economic value of agricultural GIs in the EU is estimated to be around €74.8 billion annually, representing around 15% of EU food and drink exports. However, the potential of GIs extends far beyond the food and drink sector.

With the EU’s new regulation on GIs for craft and industrial products, the EUIPO - European Union Intellectual Property Office, together with national IP offices like INPI, will help European producers register GIs for their products and benefit from the same level of protection as their agricultural counterparts.

By providing a framework for the registration and protection of GIs, we're creating new opportunities for Europe's craft and industrial sectors to showcase their unique products and connect with consumers who value authenticity and quality.

At the EUIPO, we're committed to supporting European producers in their efforts to protect and promote their GIs.

As from 1 December 2025, the EUIPO will receive the first GI applications from craft and industrial producers. In the lead up to accepting applications, we are implementing a number of initiatives at the EUIPO.

The EUIPO has created a dedicated GI Division within its Business Operations Department that will deal with Geographical Indications (GIs) and other IP rights. We are currently working on the guidelines, and we are continuously adding information for producers who are interested in registering their GIs on our GI Hub. I would highly encourage you to check this hub on the EUIPO website regularly.

From an IT perspective, we are developing the GIportal to file applications for registrations and the Union Register, where the information on applications and registrations for names of craft and industrial products will be made easily and freely available. All of this information will also be accessible through GIview, the most comprehensive searchable database for GIs in the world. It currently contains official registered data for agricultural GIs registered directly in the EU, third country GIs protected at EU level through bilateral and multilateral agreements and all EU GIs protected abroad through such agreements.

Of course, none of this would be possible without the support and cooperation with national authorities, such as INPI. This is essential for ensuring we have a robust and consistent system for craft and industrial GIs throughout the EU. Together with national and regional IP offices throughout Europe, we are creating a Virtual Community on Craft & Industrial GIs to share knowledge, best practices and experiences.

Recently, we hosted a GI conference “Safeguarding our Heritage, Cultivating our Future” on 28-29 January. This hybrid event, organised in collaboration with the European Commission (the Directorate-General for Internal Market, Industry, Entrepreneurship and SMEs, DG GROW, and the Directorate-General for Agriculture and Rural Development, DG AGRI), took place in person and online at the EUIPO headquarters in Alicante, Spain. The conference aimed to address the latest developments, challenges and opportunities in the field of geographical indications for craft and industrial products as well as agricultural goods.

As we look to the future, it's clear that GIs will play an increasingly important role in promoting European culture and commerce. By working together to protect and promote our unique cultural heritage, the EUIPO and INPI can create a brighter future for European producers and consumers alike.

João Negrão, Executive Director

EUIPO - European Union Intellectual Property Office