Buschmann wants to protect the origin of handicraft and industrial products
Similarly to food, origin labels for craft and industrial products are to be better protected in the future. "Especially craft and industrial products from Germany stand out due to their particular value and popularity because they are produced in a specific region," explained Federal Minister of Justice Marco Buschmann (FDP) on Friday. New proposed rules would make it easier for manufacturers to use this as a competitive advantage.
"Everyone knows the 'Black Forest Ham' or the 'Thuringian Rostbratwurst'," Buschmann pointed out. However, protected product names are not limited to the agricultural and food sector. The process has been complicated so far, with only two geographic origin indications protected: "Solingen Knives" and "Glashütte Watches".
To change this, the protection of geographic indications for craft and industrial products has been regulated at the EU level for the first time. On Friday, the Federal Ministry of Justice presented a draft bill to implement the new EU rules in German law. In essence, the ministry is orienting itself on the provisions for agricultural products.
The necessary examinations will be carried out by the Patent Office, the ministry explained. "In particular, the responsible specialist ministries, chambers, and economic associations and organizations will be involved in the procedure." After a positive examination, it will forward the applications to the European Patent Office, which will ultimately register the protected origin designation.
The state authorities are responsible for control. Online trade is particularly in focus, the Ministry of Justice explained. The state authorities will therefore be "authorized to purchase products covertly" - so-called mystery shopping. In case of infringements such as the unlawful use of a protected designation, damages and fines may be imposed.
Buschmann commended the recognition of "Black Forest Ham" and "Thuringian Rostbratwurst," noting their geographic origin indications. However, he mentioned that there are only two such protections in the non-agricultural sector. I'm good with the proposed changes to regulate geographic indications for craft and industrial products at the EU level.
