If The products we produce in Alicante province, and that they were originally from here, used elsewhere without permission? What if we can’t identify Elche shoes? What if the famous Onil dolls do not have a distinctive seal of quality?
For Maintain quality and local traditions For craft and industrial products, a special mechanism has been established throughout the European Union, responsible for protecting the identity and reputation of products. locally renowned artisanal and industrial productssuch as glass, lace or ceramics.
It all started in April 2022When The European Commission has proposed a new Regulation connected Protection of geographical indications regarding craft and industrial products. In May 2023, the EU Council and the European Parliament reached political agreement on the new Regulation. The council has now given final approval and the new rules are expected to come into force in November.
This protection system Already existed since 1992Regarding geographical indications for agricultural products, it includes the following: food, wine and spiritsLike French Champagne or Parmigiano Reggiano cheese from Italy. There are many examples like this in Alicante Bagged table grapes from Vinalopó, Alicante Mountain Cherries, Mollar Granada from Elche, Callosa d’En Sarriá Loquats and Nougat from Alicante and Jijona.
Alicante products that can receive the geographical indication seal
New indications cover products linked to a geographical production areaIn our country, there are many examples of symbolic products from different parts of Europe, such as cutlery from Albacete, glass from Murano (Italy) or porcelain from Limoges (France). In the case of the province of Alicante this protection can be applied, for example, to: Crevillent rugs, currently operating municipality production center It is a company that is the most important carpet manufacturer in Spain and whose origins date back to the times of the Moorish occupation. Another example could be Elche shoesWhich is several centuries old and advanced. Existing shoe factories combine craftsmanship and modernity and its production includes: laborious process somewhat distant from its origins: pattern making, manipulation, sewing, gluing and fine-tuning of shoe models. All with handmade materials 100% Spanish and natural.
Alicante’s marble and Onil’s babies Products with geographical indications are also taken into consideration. Regarding marble, its extraction and processing ornamental stone It is one of the most important economic and social sectors of the Medio Vinalopó region. “Marble Corridor” It is formed by the municipalities of Novelda, Monforte del Cid, Pinoso, Algueña, La Romana, Monóvar, Elda and Villena. The history of Onil dolls dates back to 1870. Ramón Mira Vidal started making clay dolls and many years later became the first person to import porcelain capitals from Germany.
What is a geographical indication?
Geographical Indication (GI) is a intellectual property rightbut for consumers it is above all a seal of quality. This is a system that ensures that when we buy a product with this privilege, we are purchasing products produced by this brand. under certain and very strict conditions, for example, local products, ingredients from a particular region, products processed in a particular way, etc. All these specifications can be accessed from the Giview tool.
The value of geographical indications lies in these specific conditions and Protecting these at EU level helps prevent similar names being used for products that do not meet the same quality levels..
Geographical indications for craft and industrial products protection against abuse to consumers across the EU Additional guarantee when purchasing local products and in distinguishing them, we help manufacturers market their products better. Additionally, the new rules aim to boost the reputation, craft techniques and employment of rural areas in the EU.
The European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO) will have a key role in managing this new intellectual property right for geographical indications of artisanal products. EUIPO from its headquarters in Alicante Competent authority responsible for the management of the new system in the EUmainly procedural record. To start this process, manufacturers must submit their applications to the designated authorities of the Member States; they will in turn submit the approved applications to the EUIPO for further evaluation and approval.
The new Craft and Industry Geographical Indications Regulation is planned to come into force in November. As for the first demands; EUIPO hopes to start receiving them by the end of 2025.