MEPs give a green light to EUIPO becoming EU authority for local crafts
Committee agreement represents a step towards ensured international protection of locally manufactured EU industrial products.
With 15 votes in favour MEPs of the Legal Affairs Committee unanimously agreed to make the European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO) the responsible authority for protection of locally renowned EU industrial products and crafts under the Geneva Act.
This steps completes a series of legislative files aimed at ensuring global recognition of the locally renowned EU crafts and industrial products under the Geneva Act following the EU´s accession.
While for locally manufactured agricultural products, the European Commission should remain the responsible authority, EUIPO will be in charge of completing the registration process for effective EU and global protection of local industrial products.
Quote
Following the vote, European Parliament rapporteur Marion Walsmann (EPP, DE) noted: “This file complements the trilogue agreement we have reached on 02 May on the creation of a European wide protection for the geographical indications of craft and industrial products. The EUIPO is the right authority to make sure that the registered GIs on European level, will also benefit from an international protection.”
Background
The EU became member of the Geneva Act in February 2020 after the revision of the Lisbon Agreement on designations of origin and geographical indications. This agreement signed in 1958 is administered by the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) and its members are obliged to mutually recognize and protect on their territories appellations of origin and geographical indications of locally manufactured products.
Next steps
After the consent is confirmed by the European Parliament plenary, the decision will enter into force twenty days after its publication in the EU Official Journal.
Contacts:
-
Martina VASS
Press Officer