Commission launched new search database for geographical indications in the EU

Today, the Commission launched GIview, a new search database for all geographical indications (GIs) protected at European Union level. GIview provides a single entry point for data on GIs registered in the EU, and is a useful asset for consumers, producers and intellectual property professionals. It also contains detailed information on non-EU GIs protected at EU level through bilateral and multilateral agreements, and on EU GIs protected in non-EU countries. The database, officially launched at today’s online conference ‘Strengthening Geographical Indications,’ is continually updated with official registered data from the Commission (Directorate-General for Agriculture and Rural Development) and is developed and maintained by the European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO). Geographical indications are a key economic asset for the European Union, and form part of the EU-wide system of intellectual property rights. Commissioner for Agriculture, Janusz Wojciechowski, said: “I am proud to see the launch of the GI-view portal, developed by the EU Intellectual Property Office. This platform is a great tool to give further publicity to our famous European geographical indications and to the geographical indications protected under our international agreements. Every EU registered geographical indication has a story behind it, reflecting the variety and wealth of products that our continent has to offer. My services and I will continue to look into ways to strengthen geographical indications, having shown their added-value for producers and consumers alike.” More information are available here.