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GPTO enables EU-wide protection of regional products – new rights for craft and industrial goods

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As of 1 December 2025, industrial and craft products can now be protected EU-wide as geographical indications for the first time. The legal basis is the new EU Regulation (EU) 2023/2411, implemented into German law via the Geo-Protection Reform Act. The responsible authority in Germany: the German Patent and Trade Mark Office (DPMA).

All products are eligible that are either handcrafted or manufactured industrially using machines.

Examples of eligible products from various German regions can be found on the EUIPO website

For many SMEs with strong regional ties, this opens up a new opportunity to secure origin protection and gain competitive advantages.

Background

Until now, EU-wide geographical indication protection was limited to agricultural products, wine, and spirits. With the new regulation now in force, this protection has been extended to industrial and craft products – such as Solingen knives, Meissen porcelain, or Black Forest cuckoo clocks.

Covered are products with a clear regional origin and a specific quality or reputation that is essentially linked to that origin. At least one stage of production must take place within the defined geographical area.

New Regulation

Manufacturers can now apply for protection via the DPMA. The application process consists of two stages:

  1. Review by the DPMA (including a possible opposition procedure)
  2. Final decision by the EUIPO

Applications must be submitted electronically via the GIportal of the European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO). Protected indications will be listed in the Union Register.

Further information is available on EUIPO website.

Relevance for SMEs

For many medium-sized companies – especially those with a strong regional identity – this legal development offers strategic advantages:

Auf den Punkt

Geographical origin is now protectable for both industrial and craft products. Those who forgo protection risk losing reach, legal clarity, and differentiation potential.

 

Source: DPMA

 

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Karin Simon
Lawyer
Certified IP Lawyer

Susanne Graeser
Lawyer
Certified IP Lawyer

Uhlandstr. 2
80336 Munich
Germany

Karin Simon
Rechtsanwältin
Fachanwältin für gewerblichen Rechtsschutz

Susanne Graeser
Rechtsanwältin
Fachanwältin für gewerblichen Rechtsschutz

Uhlandstr. 2
D-80336 München