The first geographical indications for craft and industrial products are now a reality in the EU. From Limoges porcelain to Portuguese embroidery, this new framework creates fresh opportunities, as Spain moves forward with its first applications and works to avoid falling behind.
Through this blog we have followed the progress of Regulation (EU) 2023/2411, from the proposal stage to its full application on December 1, 2025. In this publication we concentrated on the steps that had to be taken and requirements to be met to benefit from this new form of protection. This time we look at it from a different angle and focus on its practical results: the first geographical indications for craft and industrial products to be registered in the EU.
The EUIPO steps in as the responsible authority
As is widely known, the office responsible for handling the registration of geographical indications is the EUIPO, which provides a database (GIView) that, for now, offers publicity and visibility to notifications and registrations of geographical indications for craft and industrial products. Applications and other possible statuses will be included in subsequent stages.
GIView reveals that since December 1, 2025, a total of 77 geographical indications (art. 70.2 Regulation 2023/2411) have been notified, of which 17 have already been registered as geographical indications for craft and industrial products at EU level.
The list of geographical indications on GIView is comprised of indications that already existed before the entry into force of the regulation. This is because the Member States had until December 2, 2026 to notify them and include them on the register.
From the list of notified and/or registered geographical indications, the following stand out:
- Limoges porcelain (which was the first geographical indication to pass the EUIPO examination and be registered on May 15, 2026).
- Portuguese embroidery (e.g., Terra de Sousa, Castelo Branco, Caldas da Rainha).
- Traditional costumes (e.g., Vianesa Viana do Castelo).
- Brittany Granite.
If you take a look at GIView you may ask yourself: Why are there only geographical indications from France, Portugal, Sweden, Slovakia and the Czech Republic? Why are there no Spanish geographical indications?
This is because some EU countries, such as France or Portugal (among others), had already implemented their own national systems for the protection of craft and industrial products before the entry into force of Regulation 2023/2411, making them “front-runners” in the rollout of the EU system. By contrast, no such system had existed previously in Spain, so its craft and industrial products could not enjoy the protection and recognition afforded by geographical indication. Regulation 2023/2411 is a great opportunity for those Spanish products.
Spain is still doing its homework
Despite the absence of its own prior system, Spain is working on the national phase, whether with the Spanish Patents and Trademarks Office (OEPM), or the relevant regional bodies. The national phase is necessary for the geographical indications to be able to go through to the EU phase which is handled by the EUIPO.
Through the OEPM’s database it is possible to see the applications that have been filed for geographical indications, so far only 4:
Given Spain’s rich tradition of craftsmanship, it is surprising that the list of craft and industrial products remains so small. Let us think of some examples: espolín textiles, the knives and daggers of Albacete, Manises ceramics, or the basketry of Gata de Gorgos – the list is endless.
This could be for a number of reasons:
1) delays in administrative procedures; or
2) lack of awareness.
Information for those applying for geographical indications for craft and industrial products
Since the EUIPO is aware that many questions that may arise regarding the protection of geographical indications for craft and industrial products, it has made a list of Q&As available to all users, clarifying issues such as which products can be protected, labeling rules, the link to the territory, and the ‘geographical name’.
Rebeca Ferrero Guillén
