Geographical Indications Conference 2025
The Geographical Indications (GI) Conference titled “Safeguarding our Heritage, Cultivating our Future” will be held on January 28-29, 2025. This hybrid event is organized by the European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO) in collaboration with the European Commission. It will take place both online and in-person at the EUIPO headquarters in Alicante, Spain.
Conference Objectives
The conference aims to address the latest developments, challenges, and opportunities in the field of geographical indications for craft, industrial, and agricultural products. It will explore the current state of play of Craft and Agricultural GIs, including the introduction of new EU regulations and their impact on the GI landscape.
Agenda Highlights
- Day 1: January 28, 2025
- Opening Ceremony with keynote speeches from EUIPO Executive Director João Negrão, EU Commissioners, and the Polish Presidency of the Council of the EU.
- Sessions on the importance of Geographical Indications covering employment, development, tourism, and recent GI system reforms.
- Discussions on lifecycle and sustainability, legal protection, promotion, and the role of GIs in sustainability.
- Day 2: January 29, 2025
- Sessions on Agricultural and Craft GIs, legal aspects, enforcement, and international perspectives.
- Conclusions and closure with final remarks by EUIPO Executive Director João Negrão.
Organizers and Participation
The event is organized by the EUIPO and the European Commission, and it is free of charge. Interpretation services will be available in English, Spanish, Italian, French, and German for all attendees.
Collaboration and Impact
The European Commission and EUIPO have been instrumental in developing the GI system, focusing on protecting unique product qualities linked to specific geographical origins. Their collaboration has led to a robust system that protects GIs within the EU and facilitates international registration.
