Geographical indication protection for non-agricultural products (Green Paper)
The Commission discusses whether and how geographical indications for non-agricultural products can be protected EU wide. A protected geographical indication consists of a product denomination which contains the geographical origin of a product. A protected geographical indication may be used by all producers provided their products originate from the specified geographical place of origin and the products possess the established product characteristics – e.g. quality features, production methods or "reputation" – attributable to that place of origin. The Commission discusses in particular whether protected geographical indications could be entered into a central register which would be administered e.g. by the Commission.
Protected geographical indications strengthen consumer confidence in indications of origin. They provide greater legal certainty for consumers and businesses particularly when they are formulated as a European right. Registering them in a central register enables people to check at no great expense whether a geographical indication is protected.