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.
Funding Now Available for Craft and Industrial Geographical Indications (CIGIs)
As you are aware, under Regulation (EU) 2023/2411 (adopted on 18 October 2023), effective from December 2025, businesses producing craft or industrial products (such as natural stones, wooden goods, jewelry, textiles, and glass) tied to tradition and geographic origin can register their Geographical Indications through a centralized procedure managed by the EUIPO (European Union Intellectual Property Office). This mechanism ensures enhanced market protection and visibility, establishing a harmonized system for the protection of CIGIs across the European Union.
This new IP right is valid throughout the European Union and extends to craft and industrial products the same protection previously reserved for agricultural geographical indications, thus enabling the international promotion of local and regional territories and craftsmanship.
The SME Fund, managed by the EUIPO and providing vouchers granting partial reimbursement of costs incurred for the protection of IP rights, has therefore expanded its scope to encompass CIGIs as well.
Indeed, alongside the four existing vouchers—Voucher 1 covering IP scan services (not applicable in Italy), Voucher 2 covering trademarks and designs, Voucher 3 covering patents, and Voucher 4 covering plant varieties—a new grant has been introduced to protect Craft and Industrial Geographical Indications, referred to as “Voucher 5.”
Key Features of "Voucher 5" at a Glance
- Financial Contribution: Up to a maximum of €2,000 per beneficiary to cover registration costs.
- Costs Admissible for Reimbursement:
- National CIGI filing fees
- EU-level CIGI filing fees
- Costs associated with drafting the product specification.
Eligible Applicants
Voucher 5 is aimed at entities involved in the protection of craft and industrial GIs that meet the eligibility criteria, including:
- Producer groups established in the EU (provided they include at least one SME)
- Single producers qualifying as SMEs
- Local/regional authorities and private entities designated by Member States.
Our firm provides comprehensive assistance in securing all of the above-mentioned Vouchers. Please do not hesitate to contact us should you require any further information or clarification on the matter.