GIView is a new database on Geographical Indications (GIs) protected at European Union level.
In GIView we can find data such as GI type (PDO, PGI, GI), priority date, legal status, basis of protection in relation to all GIs covering wines, spirit drinks and aromatised wines, agricultural products and foodstuffs. The database is open to national authorities and to producer groups to upload extended information, such as the contact details of producer groups and control bodies, maps, photographs, product description or the geographical area. This is intended both to maximise information about GIs, and to directly assist anti-fraud authorities who will have easy access to descriptions and photographs of genuine product and be able to directly contact the concerned authorities and the relevant producer group.
When applying for a trademark and in order to avoid conflicts with existing GIs, GIView is a useful tool to identify previous GIs, check their status, the registered name and, where appropriate, choose to include a declaration that the trademark will only be used in relation to products that meet the requirements of the GI. In this sense, GIs can be invoked as prior rights in opposition proceedings and can also constitute grounds for an ex officio objection by the competent Office.
GIView is continuously updated with official registered data from the European Commission (Directorate-General for Agriculture and Rural Development) and is developed and maintained by EUIPO.
In summary, both in terms of its intuitive interface and its comprehensive detailed information, GIView is designed to be an important asset not only for producers and IP professionals, but also for consumers, as well as contributing to raising awareness of the incredible range and variety of geographical indications that constitute a substantial part of our economic and cultural heritage.
Article by Cristina Margalef.
