On November 24, the European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO) has 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 the online conference ‘Strengthening GIs’ is continually updated with official registered data from the European Commission (Directorate-General for Agriculture and Rural Development) and is developed and maintained by the EUIPO.

Geographical indications are a key economic asset for the European Union, and form part of the EU-wide system of intellectual property rights. According to research by the EUIPO and the European Patent Office, industries intensive in GI rights support nearly 400 000 jobs across the EU, and contribute over €20 billion to the EU’s GDP.

Additionally, a study published by the European Commission puts the yearly sales value of GI-protected products at €74.76 billion annually, a fifth of which results from exports outside the EU.

(Source: EUIPO)