The marble industry in Alicante, Spain, is taking an important step towards protecting the geographical identity and commercial reputation of its product, seeking recognition of “Mármol de Alicante” as a Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) across the European Union.
The application was submitted by Mármol de Alicante, Asociación de la Comunidad Valenciana, under the EU’s new geographical indication system for craft and industrial products. According to the Spanish Patent and Trademark Office (OEPM), the application bears file number EUGICI000000107. The national procedure began on 28 May 2026 and, following the completion of the relevant examination in Spain, the application was forwarded to the European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO) on 21 October 2026.
The application has now entered the EU examination phase, with no specific date yet announced for the final decision on its registration.
A New European Framework for Protection
The initiative falls under Regulation (EU) 2023/2411, which entered into application on 1 December 2025, extending the EU geographical indication protection system to craft and industrial products for the first time.
Until recently, this form of protection was primarily associated with agricultural products, food, wines and spirits. Under the new framework, products such as natural stone, ceramics, glassware, textiles and jewellery can also obtain recognised geographical status, provided they meet the established requirements.
To qualify for geographical indication protection, applicants must demonstrate the link between a product and a specific geographical area, as well as how its origin contributes to its particular characteristics, quality or reputation.
Examination Process and Next Steps
Following the completion of the national procedure in Spain, the Mármol de Alicante application has moved to the EUIPO, which is responsible for examining applications and taking the final decision at European level.
Under the applicable framework, the EU examination is expected to be completed within six months, with the possibility of an extension in certain circumstances. The process then includes publication of the application and the opportunity for interested parties to submit objections within the prescribed deadlines.
Provided that all relevant requirements are met and the necessary stages are successfully completed, the name “Mármol de Alicante” will be eligible for protection throughout the European Union.
Implications for the Natural Stone Market
The potential registration of the geographical indication could become an important tool in strengthening Alicante marble’s position in international markets.
Protection of the name would help safeguard the product’s authenticity, limiting the unauthorised use or exploitation of its geographical identity by products that do not meet the requirements of the specific indication. At the same time, it would provide buyers and industry professionals with a clearer framework for identifying the material’s origin and characteristics.
From a commercial perspective, geographical recognition could enhance product differentiation, highlight its connection with the region’s production heritage and support the international visibility of businesses operating in the sector.
Alicante’s initiative is also significant in light of the first applications of the new European system in the natural stone sector. One notable example is the Portuguese granite Granito Amarelo Real, which has already been registered as a geographical indication in the EU register.
This development highlights the new opportunities created by the European regulatory framework for natural stone-producing regions, providing the industry with an additional means of protecting its geographical identity and strengthening its commercial recognition.
