Upon examining the registration application, the Patent Office of the Republic of Latvia (LPO) has advanced the first geographical indication (GI) for a craft and industrial product from Latvia to the next stage of the registration procedure. The first application recognised as registrable at the national stage is Siguldas spieķis (Sigulda walking stick), a well-known symbol of the Sigulda region and a popular souvenir.
Following the decision, the LPO has published the product specification on its website, thereby commencing a three-month opposition period. During this period, persons with a legitimate interest who meet the conditions laid down in the relevant regulation may submit objections to the registration of the GI. If no objections are received within the prescribed period, or if any objections are rejected, the LPO will forward the application to the European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO) for the next stage of assessment. Following the completion of the EU-level opposition procedure and the entry into force of the EUIPO’s decision, the product name will be protected as a GI throughout the European Union.
Agris Batalauskis, LPO Director: “Latvia has many unique craft traditions and products of which we can be proud. They are not only part of our cultural heritage but also values that are important to protect and develop. The new GIs system provides an opportunity for these traditions to gain broader recognition and protection across the European Union, while also creating new opportunities for local producers. I am particularly pleased that Siguldas spieķis is the first Latvian product to embark on this journey. I hope this example will encourage other craftspeople and producers to make use of the new opportunities. For us at the Patent Office, this first experience is especially valuable, enabling us to continue providing practical support to Latvian producers.”
Linards Kumskis, Chairman of Sigulda Municipality Council: “Siguldas spieķis is a symbol of the Sigulda region’s identity, history and traditions, maintaining its special place in Sigulda’s cultural heritage through generations. For more than a century, it has served as a faithful companion to visitors to Sigulda and has become one of the most recognisable symbols of our region. We say thank you to craftspeople who have preserved this tradition through their work and skill. The advancement of Siguldas spieķis towards registration as a European Union GI is an important step in ensuring that our local cultural heritage receives international recognition and protection.”
The craft of making Siguldas spieķis was one of the first six values on the List of Latvian National Intangible Cultural Heritage, and the tradition dates back to the late 19th century. Originally, Siguldas spieķis had a merely practical purpose. As Sigulda emerged as a popular tourist destination, many travellers arrived via the newly established Riga-Pleskava and Riga-Valka railway lines to explore the picturesque town and the trails of the ancient Gauja Valley. Given the hilly trails, walking sticks proved particularly useful. While the earliest sticks were simple in design, craftspeople gradually embellished them with burnt decorative patterns and coloured details.
Today, only few craftspeople still possess the skills required to make Sigulda walking sticks. They produce both sticks for walk and support and smaller versions as souvenirs of the picturesque region.
On 1 December 2025, the new GIs system entered into force in the European Union, extending protection to craft and industrial products. In Latvia, the LPO is the competent authority responsible for receiving and examining applications for the registration of GIs for craft and industrial products.
The new GI protection system provides Latvian craftspeople and producers with an opportunity to protect product names throughout the European Union, enhance recognition of their products and open up new development opportunities. At the same time, it helps preserve and pass on traditional craftsmanship and cultural heritage to future generations, while supporting local entrepreneurship and regional development. For consumers, a GI makes it easier to identify authentic products whose origin and characteristics meet specific requirements.
Although Siguldas spieķis is likely to become the first registered craft and industrial product GI from Latvia, four GIs, one designation of origin, and three traditional specialities guaranteed have been registered to date under the European Union food quality scheme.