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Possibility of protecting geographical indications of craft and industrial products

ByRadimira Kireva

In connection with the entry into force of Regulation (EU) 2023/2411 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 18 October 2023, Business Innovation Center INNOBRIDGE inform local artisans and producers on the possibility of protecting geographical indications of artisanal and industrial products at European Union level.

Basic information about the Regulation:

The new regulation introduces a legal framework for the protection of products of local origin and traditions, similar to the existing systems for food, wine and spirits. Geographical indications for artisanal and industrial products can refer to:

  • ceramics, fabrics, wood, stone and other materials with local identity (e.g. Troyan ceramics, Chiprovtsi carpets, Kalofer lace);
  • cutlery, leather and other traditional products (e.g. Gabrovo knives, Rhodope Kaba bagpipes).

Registration criteria:

To obtain protection at the European level, a product must meet the following three conditions:

  • Originate from a specific place, region or country;
  • Possess qualities, reputation or characteristics associated with geographical origin;
  • At least one stage of production must take place in the relevant geographical area.

What is needed:

Producers of a given product should unite in an association or group and prepare a specification describing the origin, technology and characteristics of the product. Exceptionally, registration can also be made by individual producers or municipalities, if there are sufficiently convincing reasons.

Deadlines:

The Regulation enters into force from December 1, 2025, and all national registrations made so far must be re-registered by December 2, 2026, otherwise they will be deleted.

For more information:

BIC INOBRIDGE encourages all producers from the region to take advantage of this opportunity to protect local identity and create new competitive advantages in the domestic and international markets.

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