Non-Agricultural GI Protection

The DGPI-UIBM played a central role in the implementation of the new European regulatory framework on Geographical Indications (GI) protection for craft and industrial products. This framework is part of the wider European harmonization process, aimed at ensuring uniform protection for products linked to a region, even outside the agri-food sector.

The new Regulation (EU) 2023/2411, which sees the European Parliament and the Council as co-legislators, has amended Regulation (EU) 2017/1001 on trademarks on the one hand, and the Regulation (EU) 2019/1753 on designations of origin and geographical indications, on the other. It introduced, for the first time at EU level, a single system for the registration and protection of non-agricultural GIs, entrusting the EUIPO with specific competencies in this field and providing for close cooperation between national authorities and European institutions.

The new IP title, for which it will be possible to submit an application for registration in Italy as of 1 December 2025, will be valid throughout the European Union. It extends to craft and industrial products the same protection available to GIs in the agri-food sector and will allow for the international promotion of local and regional specialities and products. Products such as natural stones, wooden objects, jewellery, textiles, lace, cutlery, glass, porcelain, leathers and hides will benefit from the new system.

In order to register these products, the following requirements must be met:

• the products must originate from a specific place, region or country;
• the geographical origin must be attributable to a specific quality, reputation or other characteristic
• at least one of the production steps must take place in a defined geographical area

In this context, on January 11, 2024, Law No. 206 of December 27, 2023, containing “Comprehensive provisions on the recognition, promotion, and protection of Made in Italy” came into force in Italy. Although the new law does not implement the European regulation, it shares the same intention, by identifying measures and actions aimed at facilitating, with the cooperation of regional authorities, the launch and promotion of opportunities related to the introduction of GIs for craft and industrial products. To that end, art. 46 of the new law provides for an allocation of 3 million euros to prepare the “product specification” necessary to apply for European protection of non-agricultural GIs.

During 2024, the European regulatory process continued to progress, with the discussion of acts of secondary legislation, in particular the delegated and implementing regulation. These acts, which are still under negotiation, are essential in order to clarify the application and procedural aspects of the new protection system. The DGPI-UIBM also actively contributed to the definition of the national implementation tool), by providing technical and legal support in the drafting of the specifications and guidelines for application. The Directorate participated in inter-ministerial technical roundtables, to ensure the uniform implementation of the law. It also initiated awareness campaigns targeted to trade associations and economic operators.

At European level, participation in the work of the GIPP working group and cooperation with the EUIPO and the European Commission (DG GROW) continued, with contributions to the development of common procedures, the development of digital systems for managing applications, and the preparation of information materials for users. The dialogue with the offices in Alicante, Brussels and the other national Intellectual Property offices will continue throughout 2025, in preparation for the full implementation of the European legislation, which is scheduled to come into force on 1 December 2025.