Non-EU producers:
Apply directly to EUIPO.
Step 3 – Include required documents
Your application must include
- the product specification
- a single document summarising the product specification
- supporting documents (e.g. applicant contact details)
Step 4 – Follow the two-phase procedure
National phase
The national competent authority checks the application. If it passes the initial review, it will be published nationally.
The national authority then runs a national opposition procedure, where others are given the chance to raise objections if they hold prior rights, such as an existing trade mark.
If no valid opposition is raised, the authority will forward the application to the EUIPO.
EU phase
The EUIPO reviews the application and runs a worldwide opposition procedure.
The EUIPO then approves or rejects the registration. This is the final decision on whether your product becomes a registered GI.
In cases where an EU country has obtained a derogation from the obligation to designate a national competent authority, the EUIPO will carry out the national phase of the procedure with support from a single contact point in that country.
If the application raises concerns, the European Commission may take over the decision-making power.
Step 5 – After registration
Once registered, any producer located in the geographical area that complies with the conditions set out in the product specification will be entitled to use the registered GI.
Once registration of the GI is published in the Union registry, producers may display the following Union symbol on the product and its labelling.
Step 6 – After registration: controls of geographical indications for craft and industrial products
Any producer whose product meets the relevant product specification may use a registered GI. Producers benefiting from such protection must ensure that their products continue to comply with the specification.
Types of controls
- before the product enters the market: verification that a product designated by a GI complies with the relevant product specification
- after the product enters the market: monitoring the use of GIs on the market, including online
Producers’ obligations
Producers must self-declare that their product complies with the specification by submitting a declaration to their competent authority
- before the product is placed on the market
- every 3 years thereafter (renewal)
In some EU countries, the competent authorities themselves verify that products comply with the specification.
Control tasks may also be delegated to product certification bodies or to authorised natural persons.
The competent authorities carry out the controls. In cases of non-compliance, they take the necessary measures to remedy the situation.