Indian GI Law

GEOGRAPHIC INDICATIONS OF GOODS


A Geographical Indication is an indication that is used to identify agricultural, natural or manufactured goods originating from a definite geographical territory having a special quality or reputation or other characteristics. The manufactured goods should be produced or processed or prepared in that territory. Geographical Indications encompasses what is known as Appellation of Origin. An Appellation of Origin is a special kind of Geographical Indication used on products that have a specific quality that is exclusively or essentially due to the geographical environment in which the products are produced.

The Geographical Indication of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act, 1999 was brought into force on September 15, 2003. It provides for:

  1. Establishment of a Geographical Indications Registry.
  2. Registration of geographical indications of goods in specified classes.
  3. Registration of authorized users of registered geographical indications and right to initiate infringement action either by a registered proprietor or an authorized user.
  4. Prohibition of registration of geographical indications as trademarks.
  5. Prohibition of assignment of geographical indications.
  6. Maintenance of the Register of geographical indications in two parts - Part A containing all registered geographical indications and Part B containing particulars of registered users.