European Parliament green lights the reform of EU rules for Geographical Indications

he regulation, which was adopted by a large majority (520 votes in favour, 19 against and 64 abstentions), “protects GIs offline and online, gives more powers to their producers and simplifies the registration process of GIs”, said the European Parliament in a statement. Online, domain names using GIs illegally will be shut down or access to them disabled via geo-blocking, and a domain name alert system will be set up by the EU Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO). The new rules also stipulate that a GI designating a product used as an ingredient may be used in the name, labelling or advertising of a related processed product “only where the GI ingredient is used in sufficient quantities to confer an essential characteristic on the processed product, and no other product comparable to the GI is used. The percentage of the ingredient will have to be indicated on a label”.

At source, producers of GIs “will be able to prevent or counter any measures or commercial practices which are detrimental to the image and value of their products, including devaluing marketing practices and lowering prices. To increase consumer transparency, MEPs also made sure that a producer name will appear in the same field of vision as the geographical indication on the packaging of all GIs”. Regarding GI registration, in addition to a simplified procedure, a fixed deadline of six months will be set for scrutiny of new GIs.

Brussels-based trade organisation EFOW welcomed the vote, claiming that “the determination and commitment of the EP rapporteurs and the group of GI friends in the Council to uphold a strong GI policy have considerably improved the Commission’s initial legislative proposal”. EFOW points out that the reform ensures that the specificities of the wine industry are safeguarded and “clearly defines the competencies of Member States and the European institutions with regards to the management of the GI system and product specification. The political declaration annexed to the reform will bind the EC to disclose to the co-legislators on a yearly basis the external support it may receive in administrative tasks”. Commenting on the vote, EFOW chairman Riccardo Ricci Curbastro warned, “We will monitor application of this reform closely and invite the European Commission to demonstrate the utmost transparency to rebuild trust within the GI community”.  Once the Council formally adopts the regulation, it will be published in the EU Official Journal and enter into force 20 days later.