Geographical indications (GIs) establish intellectual property rights for products whose qualities are specifically linked to the area of production.
They identify goods as originating in a country, region or locality where a particular quality, reputation or other characteristic of the product is essentially attributable to its geographical origin, for example, Bordeaux (wine), Vetro di Murano (glass) or Prosciutto di Parma (ham).
The purpose of protecting a GI as an intellectual property right is to ensure fair competition for producers and to provide the consumer with reliable information on the place or method of production and the quality of the product. Geographical indication protection helps to preserve traditional, high-quality products and know-how, and jobs related to them thus supporting small and medium-sized businesses and manufacturers.
Geographical indications for protected agricultural products, food and drink names
There are three European Union schemes for the protection and promotion of geographical indications relating to quality agricultural products and foodstuffs, namely Protected Designation of Origin, Protected Geographical Indication, and Traditional Speciality Guaranteed.
Protected Designation of Origin
Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) for products with a strong link to the defined geographical area where all production steps have taken place. Examples are food, agricultural products and wines.
Protected Geographical Indication
Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) emphasises the relationship between the specific geographic region where at least one production step has taken place and the product, where a particular quality, reputation or other characteristic is essentially attributable to its geographical origin. Examples are food, agricultural products, wines, spirit drinks, craft and industrial products.
Traditional Specialities Guaranteed
Traditional Specialities Guaranteed (TSG) emphasise traditional composition and mode of production of products (proven usage on the domestic market for at least 30 years).
The Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine is responsible for the GI protection schemes for food, agricultural products and spirit drinks. Further information is available at agriculture.gov.ie/gi.
EU Regulation 2023/2411 on the protection of Geographical Indications (GIs) for craft and industrial products
EU Regulation 2023/2411 establishes geographical indication protection for craft and industrial products and lays down the legal framework for the new protection system. It entered into force on 16 November 2023 and Ireland must implement the regulation into national law by 1 December 2025.
As part of the implementation, the department will designate national authorities to oversee GI registration, compliance, and market surveillance.
Further information on the EU scheme for GI protection for craft and industrial products