Geographical Indications for craft and industrial products
The European Union has introduced a system for protecting the names of craft and industrial products as geographical indications, where the products have a clear connection to a specific geographical area. The system is based on EU Regulation (EU) 2023/2411, supplemented in Finland by national legislation on the protection of geographical indications for craft and industrial products.
A geographical indication is a sign or name used for products that have a specific geographical origin and whose quality, reputation, or other characteristics are essentially linked to that origin.
What does protection mean?
A protected geographical indication means that only producers who meet the requirements set for the indication may use it in the labelling and marketing of their products. The requirements may concern, for example, production methods or the geographical location of production.
Protection also gives those entitled to use the indication the right to prevent others from using it on products that do not meet the requirements, or in any other manner that may mislead consumers.
Extension to new product categories
The EU has long protected geographical indications for products such as foodstuffs, wines, and spirits. The new rules extend protection to craft and industrial products, including:
- natural stones
- wood products
- glass and ceramic ware
- jewellery
- textiles
Well-known examples of names that could fall within the scope of the system include Murano glass, Carrara marble, and Donegal tweed.
Application and processing
Application directly to the European Union Intellectual Property Office
Finnish producers submit their applications directly to the European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO), which examines them and decides on registration.
The Finnish Patent and Registration Office (PRH) acts as the national point of contact with the EUIPO and supports the EUIPO where necessary in technical matters requiring local knowledge. For example, the EUIPO may ask the PRH to verify application details where needed.
Registration of established names (transition period)
Producers may register Finnish product names already established by usage at EU level through a simplified procedure by 2 December 2026.
Unlike the standard application procedure, these notifications are submitted to the PRH, which forwards them to the EUIPO and the European Commission. Notifications should be submitted well in advance of the deadline to allow the PRH sufficient time to forward them.
Further information on this procedure:
Controls in Finland
Controls of geographical indications in Finland are divided between two authorities.
Prior verification and certificate of authorisation (PRH)
Before products are placed on the market, the PRH verifies that products designated by a geographical indication meet the requirements set for that indication.
The controls are based on the producer's own declaration of conformity. The PRH examines the declaration and issues a certificate of authorisation to use the indication. The certificate is renewed every three years, ensuring that products continue to meet the requirements associated with the indication.
Market surveillance (Tukes)
The Finnish Safety and Chemicals Agency (Tukes) monitors the use of geographical indications in the market, including in e-commerce, and intervenes in cases of misuse. Tukes may issue prohibitions and orders, impose sanctions and conditional fines, and cooperate with other authorities, such as Customs, to enhance enforcement.
Further information