Act on geographical indications for craft and industrial products enters into force on 21 April 2026
Finland has enacted a law related to the EU’s new system for protecting the names of craft and industrial products with geographical indications. The reform expands the scope of geographical indication protection – previously limited to food and beverages – to cover products such as natural stones, glass and ceramic ware, jewellery, and textiles. Well-known examples include Murano glass, Carrara marble, and Donegal tweed.
A protected geographical indication confers exclusive use of the name to producers who meet the requirements for the indication.
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) will act as the national point of contact and, if necessary, will support the EUIPO in matters requiring local knowledge.
Read further instructions on EUIPO website.Avautuu uuteen välilehteen
Notification of established names
During a transitional period, producers can notify names that have already become established through use according to a simplified procedure. These notifications must be submitted to the PRH before 2 December 2026.
Read more on how to submit the notification.
Controls in Finland
Controls of geographical indications in Finland are divided between two authorities. The PRH verifies in advance that products fulfil the requirements and issues a certificate of authorisation. The Finnish Safety and Chemicals Agency (Tukes) monitors the use of the indications in the market. The agency intervenes in cases of misuse and can impose prohibition orders and conditional fines (penalty payments tied to compliance).
Read more about the new protection form.
For further information, please contact:
Patrik Lindbohm
tel. 0295095538
firstname.lastname@prh.fi