The protection of geographical indications protects the name of a product whose characteristics or reputation derive from its geographical origin. This is a collective right, and the protection granted upon registration is indefinite. The aim of the protection of geographical indications is to preserve local traditions and offer consumers a reliable product with specific characteristics.
Geographical indications are classified as follows:
- wines, spirits, and agricultural products;
- handicrafts and industrial products.
Since Estonia joined the European Union, the protection of geographical indications for our agricultural products, foodstuffs, and alcoholic beverages has been ensured at European Union level.
Legal protection is governed by Regulations (EU) 2024/1143, (EU) No 1308/2013 and (EU) 2019/787 of the European Parliament and of the Council. The geographical indications ‘Estonian Vodka’ and ‘Sõir’, originating in Estonia, have also been registered on the basis of the two aforementioned regulations.
The procedure for granting geographical indications for wines, spirits, and agricultural products takes place in two stages: first, the application is assessed by the Ministry of Regional Affairs and Agriculture, and then by the European Commission.
Until 1 December 2025, the protection of geographical indications for craft and industrial products and the protection of geographical indications for services was available at the national level. From that date, Regulation (EU) 2023/2411 of the European Parliament and of the Council, adopted on 18 October 2023, will apply, enabling the protection of geographical indications for craft and industrial products at the European Union level.
In addition to the Regulation, the procedure for the national phase of protection of geographical indications for craft and industrial products is also governed by the Geographical Indication Protection Act, amendments to which will enter into force in 2026.
The registration of geographical indications for handicrafts and industrial products protected at the European Union level consists of two stages. First, the Estonian Patent Office assesses the compliance of the application with the requirements. The Office forwards the approved application to the European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO), which makes the final decision. In the event of a positive decision, the geographical indication is entered in the register of geographical indications administered by the EUIPO and is granted legal protection in all EU Member States.
On 14 November 2025, the Estonian Patent Office, in cooperation with the Ministry of Regional Affairs and Agriculture and the European Commission, organised an information day on geographical indications for producers to introduce the new system. The information event provided a comprehensive overview of both the updates to the procedure for agricultural geographical indications and the new protection options for geographical indications for craft and industrial products.
