The aim of these articles is to keep our Clients and Associates updated about developments in the sector of Intellectual Property in general and our firm in particular. In this way, we wish to provide a broader view of the tools that the field of trade marks, domain names, patents, designs and related rights offers to entrepreneurs to enhance and protect their efforts in researching and developing new solutions and ideas.
Italy Launches Online Filing for Craft And Industrial GIs as of 1 December 2025
The Italian Council of Ministers has approved, on a preliminary basis, a draft legislative decree implementing Regulation (EU) 2023/2411 on Geographical Indications (GIs) for craft and industrial products, which will become protectable as of 1 December 2025.
This decree constitutes the regulatory adjustment necessary to make the new European regulation on artisanal and industrial PGIs fully operational in Italy.
A New EU-Wide IP Right
As outlined in our February newsletter, the new GI will constitute an industrial property right valid across the entire European Union, which will extend protection to products such as wooden objects, jewelry, textiles, lace, cutlery, glass, porcelain, ceramics, and leather, which are distinguished by their quality, reputation, or other characteristics attributable to their geographical origin.
It will function as an official seal of origin, quality and authenticity, strengthening the protection of national craft and industrial know-how and enhancing the international visibility of regional and local excellence.
As effect of the implementation of Regulation (EU) 2023/2411, producers will be able to prevent the use of protected names for similar goods manufactured outside the designated geographical area, thereby providing a valuable tool against counterfeiting both online and offline.
In addition, the new system enables:
- EU producers to seek international protection for their GIs; and
- non-EU producers to obtain EU-level protection where they meet EU requirements.
Two-Phase Registration Procedure
While the EUIPO will be the central registration office, the new system introduces a two-step registration process for non-agricultural products:
- National Phase
The application is filed and examined in the applicant’s Member State.
- European Phase
If the national phase concludes positively, the national authority forwards the application to the European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO), which conducts the EU-level assessment, including any EU-wide oppositions. Once approved, the GI obtains unitary protection throughout the EU.
Key Provisions of the Italian Implementing Decree
For Italy, the preliminary decree designates the Directorate-General for Industrial Property – Italian Patent and Trademark Office (DGPI-UIBM) of the Ministry of Enterprises and Made in Italy as the competent authority for the entire national phase, including:
- receiving and examining applications;
- handling modifications to product specifications;
- managing national oppositions;
- cancelling registrations;
- liaising with EUIPO, the EU authority responsible for final GI registration.
The decree in particular sets out:
- Filing procedures for producer associations, which must submit applications exclusively via the UIBM online filing portal (operational from 1 December 2025).
- The required content of the application:
- Product Specification (Art. 9)
- Single Document (Art. 10), using the Regulation’s template
- Supporting Documentation (Art. 11)
- The administrative process, examination timelines and publication in the official bulletin.
- The designation of DGPI-UIBM as the competent control authority, including the ability to rely on the Guardia di Finanza for inspections and market monitoring.
- The extension of criminal offences under Article 517-quater of the Italian Criminal Code to craft and industrial products, along with a detailed system of administrative sanctions for usurpation, evocation, misleading practices, and non-compliance with product specifications.
From 1 December 2025: Online Filing Becomes Available
From next 1 December producer associations will be able to submit GI applications for craft and industrial products directly through the UIBM online portal, with digital-signature-validated documentation.
National Examination and Next Steps
The DGPI-UIBM will first conduct a formal check (admissibility and completeness). The substantive examination and further national administrative steps will begin once the implementing decree formally enters into force, currently expected by late January.
We will continue to monitor developments and remain at your disposal should you require further details or strategic guidance on the protection of craft and industrial products under the new EU GI system.