DOP Mura/Murai registered in the EU: what it means for producers and marketers

Key data

Producers and marketers of the Mura/Murai product have had a new valuable tool since July 15, 2026: legal protection of their name throughout the European Union. The Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/1792, published in the EU Official Journal on July 22, 2026, formalizes the registration of Mura/Murai in the European register of geographical indications under Regulation (EU) 2024/1143.

This is not a minor bureaucratic procedure. Registration as PDO converts the name into a legally protected asset against any unauthorized use, within and outside the European internal market.

What does this regulation establish?

Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/1792 formally registers the geographical indication Mura/Murai in the category of Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) in the European register of geographical indications, created and regulated by Regulation (EU) 2024/1143.

The specific legal effects of this registration are as follows:

• Protection throughout the EU: the name "Mura/Murai" is protected against unauthorized uses in any Member State, without the need for additional national registrations.
• Right to use the PDO mark: producers who comply with the established specification can use the logo and the mention "Protected Designation of Origin" in their labeling and commercial communications.
• Prohibition for third parties: any company or individual using the name "Mura/Murai" for products not covered by the specification incurs unauthorized use, which is legally enforceable.
• Enhanced traceability: registration requires that the product can prove its origin and production process in accordance with the specification, which strengthens traceability throughout the chain.

The legal basis is Regulation (EU) 2024/1143 of the European Parliament and of the Council, which is the current European regulatory framework for geographical indications of agricultural and food products.

Economic and operational impact

Registration as PDO has a dual impact: commercial opportunity for legitimate producers and legal risk for those using the name without meeting the requirements.

From the opportunity perspective:

• The PDO mark is recognized by European consumers as a guarantee of quality and origin, allowing access to premium market segments and justifying higher prices.
• Protection extends to international markets in countries with mutual recognition agreements with the EU, expanding the commercial value of the product outside the internal market.
• The enhanced traceability required by PDO facilitates access to large distributors and chains that demand origin documentation.

From the operational risk perspective:

• Processors or marketers who have been using the name "Mura/Murai" without complying with the specification must cease that use immediately, as from July 15, 2026 such use is illegal.
• Producers who do comply with the requirements must verify that their documentation, labeling and processes are aligned with the specification to be able to prove legitimate use of the mark.

Who does it affect?

• Primary producers of the Mura/Murai product in the geographical area defined by the specification.
• Processors and transformers involved in the production process of the covered product.
• Marketers and distributors that include Mura/Murai in their catalog or label it for sale in European markets.
• Importers and exporters operating with this product in the EU internal market or in international markets with recognition agreements with the EU.
• Companies in other sectors that may have used the name "Mura/Murai" in their business name, brand or labeling without being covered by the PDO.

Practical example

Imagine a distribution company that markets in Spain and France a product under the label "Mura/Murai" purchased from a supplier not included in the PDO specification.

Before July 15, 2026, such marketing could have no direct legal consequences in the European sphere. From that date, the use of the name "Mura/Murai" for products not covered is unauthorized use of a registered PDO, enforceable in any EU Member State.

Conversely, a producer who does comply with the specification can now incorporate the PDO mark into their labeling, access specialized distribution channels for products with geographical indication and strengthen their commercial argument in European and international markets where the EU has mutual recognition agreements.

What should companies do now?

1. Verify if you use the name "Mura/Murai" in your labeling, catalog, website or commercial documentation. If so, determine whether you are covered by the PDO specification.
2. Review the PDO Mura/Murai specification to check whether your product, production area and production process meet the requirements for legitimate use of the mark.
3. Cease unauthorized use immediately if your product does not meet the requirements. Protection is effective from July 15, 2026 and non-compliance is enforceable throughout the EU.
4. Request PDO certification if you meet the requirements and do not yet have formal recognition. The PDO mark is a commercial asset that justifies investment in the certification process.
5. Update labeling to include the PDO mark if you are already certified, taking advantage of the newly registered protection to strengthen your market positioning.
6. Consult a specialist advisor in geographical indications if you have doubts about whether your activity falls within or outside the scope of PDO protection.

Official source

Consult complete regulation in official source

Notice: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. For specific decisions, consult a qualified professional. Source: https://eur-lex.europa.eu/./legal-content/AUTO/?uri=OJ:L_202601792