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:
- Review by the DPMA (including a possible opposition procedure)
- 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:
- Brand positioning: Protected origin builds trust and enhances product value
- Legal certainty: Protection against imitation and misleading origin claims
- EU-wide recognition: Unified registration at Union level via the DPMA
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