The European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO) recently launched GIview, a user-friendly search facility for Geographical Indications (GIs) protected at EU level.
What are GIs?
A GI is a sign used on products that have a specific geographical origin and possess qualities or a reputation that are due to that origin.
- World Intellectual Property Organization.
GIs secure the intellectual property rights (IPRs) of geographical origin-linked products. There are 14 Irish GIs, some of which are still pending registration. Registered Irish GIs include Clare Island Salmon, Waterford Blaa and Sneem Black Pudding.
Why use GIview?
GIview is a great tool for IP professionals and interested consumers but importantly, it is a useful preliminary search tool for producers of wine, spirit drinks, aromatised wines, agricultural products and foodstuffs. Potential trade mark applicants in these industries can check to ensure that their mark is not in conflict with any earlier GIs protected in the EU (as GIs may form the basis of an ex officio objection and be invoked as earlier rights in opposition proceedings).
How does GIview Work?
On the homepage, users can search by country or GI name. In the illustration below, we search by country and select ‘Ireland’.
This directs users to the results page. Results can be narrowed by applying filters by product type, priority date, GI type, status or basis of protection.
GIview’s advanced search functionalities enable users to search by GI product type e.g. all GIs for cheeses, which can then be alphabetised by country:
For further information on GIview, click here.
If you require any further details or advice on the above, you can contact us here.
