All you need to know about how to register your Geographical Indication product

Ever been curious about the EU’s system of Geographical Indicators (GIs) for protecting products like champagne and Parma ham? Perhaps you’re a producer looking to get your product and know how recognised? Or maybe you are a consumer looking for more information on how these distinctions are awarded and maintained?

Our new guide to GIs explains the application process in detail. It’s designed to be accessible, engaging and user friendly and includes a series of videos from holders of GIs from across Europe where they describe their experiences and how they benefit from the recognition that GIs offer.

With this new tool, the Commission offers EU producers and producer groups clear guidance on how to register the names of their agri-food products under EU quality schemes, supporting more successful applications.

Background

The EU’s geographical indications verify intellectual property rights for certain products, whose qualities are specifically linked to the areas they are produced in. They include:

• PDOs – protected designation of origin (food and wine)
• PGIs – protected geographical indication (food and wine)
• GIs – geographical indication (spirits).

Products that are under consideration for or already have been given recognition are listed in geographical indications registers. The registers also include information on the geographical and production specifications for each product.