The EUIPO Supports ASEAN Regional Forum on Geographical Indications in the Philippines
The EUIPO, through the EU-ASEAN Sustainability Connectivity Package – Intellectual Property Rights (SCOPE IPR), organised the ASEAN Regional Forum on Geographical Indications (GI) and accompanying GI Exhibition from 13 to 15 May 2026 in Iloilo, Philippines.
Organised in collaboration with the Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines (IPOPHL), the event built on previous GI-related activities under SCOPE IPR and formed part of the ongoing technical assistance provided to ASEAN Member States. The initiative supported efforts to strengthen GI protection and enforcement, while assisting producers and associations in developing GI-based products and businesses.
The forum provided a platform for ASEAN Member States to exchange experiences and developments in GI systems. Experts across the region, including policymakers, IP offices, and producers from ASEAN and the European Union shared progress in strengthening legal framework, improving registration processes, and supporting producers in leveraging GI protection, quality assurance, and market access.
Discussions also highlighted the role of GIs in supporting rural development, preserving cultural heritage and strengthening local value chains across Southeast Asia. The exchange of practices also reflected the growing importance of GI systems in supporting sustainable and inclusive economic growth in the region.
Held alongside the forum, the GI Exhibition showcased selected products from the host country, the Philippines, offering visibility to producers and highlighting the diversity of origin-linked products in the region. A field visit to a production site provided participants with insight into production practices and quality control mechanisms supporting GI protection.
Aligned with ASEAN’s priorities on sustainable and inclusive growth, the forum contributed to ongoing regional cooperation on geographical indications. It also reflected the EUIPO’s continued work with ASEAN partners to strengthen GI systems, promote best practices and support producers in developing and protecting GI-based products across the region.
The EUIPO is an international GI registration authority, building on years of cooperation with the European Commission (DG AGRI) and fully responsible for the registration of craft and industrial GIs as of December 2025. For more information about the EUIPO’s work on GIs, see: https://www.euipo.europa.eu/en/gi-hub.