The EUIPO strengthens geographical indications and trade mark practices in Armenia through EU cooperation

The European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO) organised a technical workshop on geographical indications (GIs) and trade marks in Yerevan from 13 to 15 May 2026, bringing together Armenian authorities and European intellectual property (IP) experts to strengthen registration and examination practices, in alignment with EU standards.

The workshop was held in the framework of the EU4IP project, funded by the EU and led by the EUIPO. It supported Armenia’s ongoing harmonisation efforts with EU IP practices under the EU-Armenia Comprehensive and Enhanced Partnership Agreement. The workshop was a platform for practical exchange on the administration of GIs and trade marks, drawing on EU methodologies and the experience of EU Member States.

Discussions focused on the legal and institutional frameworks governing GIs for agricultural, craft and industrial products in Armenia and the EU, including product specifications, certification systems, compliance, quality control and examination practices. The workshop supported capacity-building efforts for GI registration, protection and promotion by sharing best practices from Europe, which can improve market opportunities for Armenian products with a strong cultural and economic value. These efforts connect with the EUIPO’s broader work under the IP Alliance on Sustainable IP, which promotes sustainable innovation and supports producers in protecting and commercialising high‑quality, locally rooted products.

Additionally, the trade mark component of the programme addressed key aspects of registration and examination, including classification of goods and services, absolute and relative grounds for refusal, and the application of common practices from the EU Intellectual Property Network. These exchanges enhance consistency, transparency and predictability in trade mark decision-making, benefiting both examiners and users.

This workshop is one of various activities that reinforce the EUIPO’s role as the premier implementing agency of EU-funded IP cooperation projects. These activities mobilise expertise across the EU Intellectual Property Network to build stronger, more efficient and more compatible IP systems. The EU4IP project continues to support Armenia in strengthening its intellectual property framework, which contributes to innovation, protecting local heritage and increasing the competitiveness of Armenian businesses and producers in the international market.