Geographical indications upgraded: an overview of the recent changes in EU legislation on GI protection

Geographical indications (GIs) do not usually relate to large-scale industries; nevertheless, they are important for culturally relevant, often labour-intensive niche products that are linked to the region from which they originate. The European Union has recently introduced new legislation that protects GIs online, encourages sustainable practices and, perhaps most importantly, expands the group of goods that can benefit from this protection at EU level. Not only wine, beverages and agricultural products can be protected, but now also artisanal and industrial products such as porcelain or textiles. This article introduces the novelties and differences between product groups.