Stricter rules for geographical indications

Geographical indications (GI) (intellectual property rights that identify products having qualities, characteristics or a reputation due to natural and human factors linked to their place of origin) should be better protected online, MEPs say. 

Domains using a name of a GI without the right to do so must be automatically closed or assigned to a producer group that uses the GI legally. An alert system monitoring the registration of domain names should be set by the EU Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO) for this purpose.

Protection

Parliament demands that GIs should be better protected in processed products. Processed products containing a GI ingredient should not be allowed to be named after the GI, unless permitted to do so by the GI’s producers.

Registering

Registering GIs should be faster, say MEPs. The Commission should have only five months to register a new GI. National authorities should manage most requests for changes to existing GI registrations without the Commission having to check them again. 

Rights and resources

Finally, recognised producer groups should get more rights and resources. They should be in charge of establishing minimum conditions for the use of a GI name and supervising the fair use of GIs. Recognised producer groups should also be able to receive compulsory financial contributions from all producers of the GI good.

Parliament is now ready to begin talks with EU governments on the final shape of the law, once Council has adopted its position, too.

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