The EUIPO Hosts International Conference on Geographical Indications

The European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO), in collaboration with the European Commission, hosted the international conference ‘Safeguarding Our Heritage, Cultivating Our Future’ on 28-29 January 2025. This hybrid event, held in Alicante, Spain, and online, brought together a wide range of stakeholders, including policymakers, intellectual property (IP) experts, and producers, to discuss the important role of Geographical Indications (GIs) in driving innovation, economic growth, and cultural preservation.

The main objective of the conference was to explore the latest EU regulations on craft, industrial, and agricultural GIs and their implications for producers, while also addressing the sustainability and enforcement strategies necessary for effective GI protection. In the framework of the EU4IP project, the event was attended by eight high-level delegates from Ukraine and Moldova. These delegates, from both public and private sectors, engaged in discussions aimed at aligning their countries' GI systems with EU standards and tapping into the evolving opportunities within the GI sector.

The conference agenda covered a wide range of topics, from the implications of new EU regulations for GI producers to the importance of robust enforcement mechanisms to protect these valuable products. Special attention was given to the role of GIs in promoting innovation, enhancing market competitiveness, and preserving traditional production methods. The event also highlighted how GIs can strengthen regional economies and foster sustainable development.

This conference demonstrated the EUIPO's commitment to supporting the alignment of European candidate countries with EU regulations and fostering stronger international IP alliances. Starting in 2025, the EUIPO will be fully responsible for registering craft and industrial GIs. This marks a significant step in the development of the EU's GI system.