We wish to inform ECTA members that the EUIPO has recently published the first edition of the Guidelines for the examination of geographical indications for craft and industrial products.

These Guidelines provide information on application procedures for CIGIs, including communication channels, the Union register, amendments, opposition and cancellation proceedings, as well as specific aspects related to proceedings under the Geneva Act.

ECTA, particularly through its ECTA Geographical Indications Committee, has been actively following the evolution of the CIGI regulatory framework since the outset, by providing comments on the various draft regulations and EUIPO's guidelines, as needed, preparing position papers on the subject, regularly exchanging with EUIPO and EU Commission representatives to brief the Committee members on the upcoming changes, as well as organising dedicated workshops on the topic.