On April 22, 2026, Ukraine’s new Procedure for Maintaining the State Register of Geographical Indications entered into force. The document was approved by the Ministry of Economy, Environment, and Agriculture on February 3, 2026, and registered with the Ministry of Justice on April 2, 2026.
The primary goal of the reform is to bring the register into compliance with legislation on public electronic registers and to reflect recent legislative changes in the field of geographical indication (GI) protection. The new procedure is also aligned with EU regulations and lays the groundwork for Ukraine’s planned accession to the Geneva Act of the Lisbon Agreement, scheduled for completion by the end of 2027.
The key change is the transition to a fully electronic register and electronic case management for applications. The procedure clearly defines the composition of register data, the process for filing and reviewing applications, the rules for amending product specifications, and the procedure for issuing extracts and certificates.
For producers, the new rules mean the ability to officially confirm the right to use a geographical indication, obtain protection against unfair competition, and legally label products. Notably, amendments to product specifications are now permitted after registration – allowing producers to adapt requirements to technological changes without losing their GI rights. Consumers, in turn, will have a convenient tool to verify the authenticity of products.
“The Procedure ensures transparency, clarity and a modern electronic format for the register’s operation, in line with both national legislation and European approaches,” said Olena Orliuk, Director of Ukrainian National Office for Intellectual Property and Innovation (UANIPIO).