Protection of geographical indications for craft and industrial products
A geographical indication is a name that may be used for a craft or industrial product whose quality, reputation or other characteristic relates to its geographical origin.
The protection of a geographical indication means that the indication may only be used for products and marketing when the producer meets the requirements for the indication. Protection can be obtained by applying for registration.
What is the benefit of protecting geographical indications?
Registration protects craft and industrial products from practices that could mislead the consumer as to the true origin of the product. A further purpose of the system of protection is to help consumers make informed purchasing decisions.
What types of craft and industrial products can be protected?
Craft and industrial products are products produced
- either entirely by hand or using manual tools, digital tools or mechanical means, such that the hand-made part remains an important component of the final product; or
- in a standardised manner, including mass production and production by machine.
Almost any craft and industrial product can enjoy the protection of a geographical indication. Typical examples include ceramics, natural stone, jewellery and textiles.
How to apply for protection of a geographical indication
Submit a registration application directly to the EU Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO). The registrations for EU geographical indications for craft and industrial products are listed in a digital register maintained by EUIPO.
See the Finnish Patent and Registration Office’s website for more information about applying
How do authorities supervise geographical indications?
In Finland, the geographical indications for craft and industrial products are supervised by the Finnish Patent and Registration Office (PRH) and the Finnish Safety and Chemicals Agency (Tukes).
The PRH:
- acts as a single point of contact in Finland for questions related to applications
- receives declarations of conformity with the product specification from manufacturers
- verifies the accuracy of the information provided in the manufacturer’s declaration
- awards a licence certificate or renews a valid licence application.
Tukes acts as the market surveillance authority and monitors the use of geographical indications in the market.