Place and Protection: What the New NAGI Regime Means for Northern Ireland Producers

On 26 November 2025, the Intellectual Property Office (IPO) published updated guidance for Northern Ireland on the new non-agricultural geographical indications (NAGIs) scheme.

NAGIs are a form of intellectual-property protection designed for craft and industrial products (rather than food, drink or agricultural goods). Under the scheme, a product name may be protected if it has a strong link to a particular geographical area (meaning at least one stage of production must take place in that area).

Importantly, a NAGI does not belong to a single business. Instead, any producer who adheres to the product specification can use the protected name.

The new NAGI regime is a result of EU legislation: Regulation (EU) 2023/2411 which entered into force as of 1 December 2025.

Until now, Geographical Indication (GI) protection for non-food goods has been handled via national trade mark systems (such as certification marks), rather than a dedicated GI scheme.

The EU has long maintained GI systems for agricultural products, food, wines and spirits but Regulation 2023/2411 extends similar protections to craft and industrial products.

For the UK and Northern Ireland this presents both opportunities and complexity. After Brexit, the UK created its own GI scheme for agricultural/food products, while the EU schemes continued for NI under the Windsor Framework.

The 2025 IPO guidance confirms that, subject to certain procedural steps, the NAGI scheme will be administered in NI by the UK Intellectual Property Office (UKIPO).

Thus, for the first time NI-based producers of craft or industrial goods may be able to obtain the same kind of region-based protection previously reserved mainly for food, drink or agricultural products.

What NAGI status could mean for Northern Ireland producers

Who can apply and how:

Once the scheme in NI becomes operational, NI producers can apply via the UKIPO
For producers in Great Britain (England, Scotland, Wales) the path differs: they would need to apply directly to the European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO)

Existing UK trade mark protection (collective or certification marks) remain an alternative (including for NI)

Kinds of products which qualify

The scheme is aimed at craft and industrial products, e.g. traditional textiles, glassware, ceramics, metalwork, handmade goods, similar artisanal or region-linked manufactured goods).

Examples often cited in broader debate include traditional fabric (e.g. linen or tweed), pottery, glass, lace, or other region-defined crafts.

What protection means and how it works

The protected indication refers to the geographical origin rather than to a specific business. Anyone complying with the approved product specification can use the name

The implication is that producers who register a NAGI could secure EU-wide protection (including NI and EU markets) - a potentially valuable asset if they export or market beyond NI

For products sold in Great Britain, firms may still rely on the UK trade mark route (certification or collective marks) giving flexibility depending on where they sell

Potential changes for existing users of traditional product names

If another producer obtains a NAGI registration for a product name that you are currently using in NI, you may need to stop using the name unless you either already have trade mark protection for it, or your product meets the registered product specification

The EUIPO may allow transitional arrangements and thus giving existing producers time to adapt or oppose applications if needed.

This means that longstanding regional product names may become legally protected, which could impact how or whether certain names can continue to be used across NI or the EU.

Potential Benefits for NI Businesses

Enhanced value for regional and artisanal producers: Craftspeople or small industrial producers in NI could gain stronger legal protection for traditional products linked to their area (potentially enhancing brand value, preventing misuse, and boosting marketability)

Access to EU market under a trusted “origin-based” label: Thanks to the Windsor Framework and NAGI compatibility, NI producers may market in the EU with GI-type protection, which may appeal to consumers valuing heritage, authenticity and provenance.

Level playing field with EU-based artisanal / craft producers: The new scheme harmonises protection for non-food tradables (craft/industrial goods) putting NI producers on par with EU peers for origin-linked products, rather than forcing them to rely solely on trade mark law

Potential Challenges and uncertainties for NI Businesses

Take-up may be limited: According to the explanatory memorandum for the Regulation, uptake across the EU is expected to be modest, partly because relatively few products will meet the strict requirements for GI-style protection.

Unclear business appetite / awareness: SMEs or traditional artisans may lack awareness of NAGIs or consider the cost/complexity of application not worth the benefit especially if they primarily operate locally.

Potential disruption for existing producers / name-users: Existing users of a product name that becomes registered as a NAGI may have to stop using that name (unless meeting the specification or having appropriate trade mark protection).

Need for specification compliance, enforcement: Registered products must strictly comply with the specification linked to the NAGI so non-compliance could lead to enforcement or loss of ability to market under that name

Practical Takeaways for NI Businesses & Artisans

If you run a craft or industrial business in Northern Ireland, or you produce artisan/traditional goods linked to a region, you may want to consider the following steps:

1. Audit your product names and heritage links - Review whether any of your products use a name tied to a region or locality (e.g. “X-town glass”, “Y-region textiles”, “traditional Z pottery”), and whether that name reflects geographic origin / heritage of production.

2. Assess production processes - To qualify, at least one step of production must occur in the specified area. Ensure your manufacturing or crafting location and production steps align with that requirement.

3. Monitor UKIPO announcements - The UKIPO has said it will administer the scheme for NI and will issue guidance when applications can be accepted.

4. Consider alternative protection - If you market principally within the UK (or GB), or want to secure name protection quickly, UK trade mark schemes (collective or certification marks) remain available.

5. Think strategically about market ambition - If you aim to sell in the EU, the NAGI route might add value (origin-based branding, heritage appeal, protection against imitation). If you’re focused locally, weigh benefits against cost/effort.

6. Watch for existing name registrations - If a name you currently use becomes registered as a NAGI by someone else, you may lose the right to use it unless your product matches the specification or you already have trade mark protection.

Conclusion:

The publication of the 2025 NAGI guidance for Northern Ireland marks an important potential shift for craft and industrial producers. For the first time, artisans and manufacturers in NI can access a formal GI-style protection for non-food goods enabling them to brand products according to their region of origin and enjoy EU-wide protection under a regulated scheme.

That said, uptake is expected to be modest, and the practical benefits will depend heavily on the nature of the product, the business’s ambitions (local vs. export), and commitment to complying with the specification requirements.

For many small businesses, NAGI status may be a valuable long-term branding and protection tool (especially if exporting to or selling within the EU).

As the NAGI regime evolves, ensuring the right protection strategy is crucial. For expert support with trade marks, IP strategy, and safeguarding your rights across the UK and EU, please get in touch with FRKelly.

By David Flynn - 9 December 2025