Practice Area

Geographical Indications (GI) Protection

A Geographical Indication (GI) tag is a sign identifying a product as originating from a specific territory, where its quality, reputation, or characteristics are essentially attributable to its geographical origin — like Darjeeling Tea, Basmati Rice, or Phulkari embroidery. India's GI regime is governed by the Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration & Protection) Act, 1999.

GI Registration Filing

We assist producers' associations, state government bodies, and NGOs in filing a GI application before the Geographical Indications Registry in Chennai. The application must comprehensively establish the link between the product's quality/characteristics and its geographical origin.

→ GI Registry search and feasibility assessment
→ Drafting of Statement of Case and product specification
→ Filing Form GI-1 at GI Registry, Chennai
→ Publication in the GI Journal and opposition management

Authorised User Registration

Only registered producers and authorised users of a GI tag can legally use the GI mark on their products. We handle authorised user applications (Form GI-3) for eligible producers who meet the product specification criteria established in the original registration.

→ Authorised user application (Form GI-3) filing
→ Eligibility assessment against product specification
→ Renewal of authorised user status
→ Advisory on correct labelling and GI mark usage

GI Infringement & Enforcement

Use of a GI tag by an unauthorised person — or passing off non-GI goods as genuine GI goods — constitutes infringement under the Act. We pursue offenders through civil suits, criminal complaints, and customs enforcement to protect both producers and consumers.

→ Cease and desist notices against GI misuse
→ Civil suit for damages and injunction
→ Criminal prosecution under Section 38 of GI Act
→ Customs recordal to block infringing imports/exports

International GI Protection

For exporters, GI protection in key markets is critical. We advise on GI protection strategies under TRIPs Agreement provisions and assist with bilateral treaty protections, EU GI registration, and country-specific GI filings for Indian products exported globally.

→ TRIPs Article 22-24 compliance advisory
→ EU Geographical Indication registration strategy
→ Market-specific GI protection (US, UK, EU, GCC)
→ Anti-misappropriation action in export markets

Frequently Asked Questions

Who can apply for GI registration in India?

Any association of persons, producers, organisation, or authority established by or under law representing the interests of producers of the goods concerned can apply for GI registration. Individual producers cannot apply directly — a representative body or association must make the application.

What is the difference between a GI tag and a trademark?

A trademark identifies goods/services of one entity and can be owned by a single company or person. A GI tag is a collective right that belongs to all eligible producers in the geographic area — no single entity can exclusively own a GI. A GI cannot be licensed to producers outside the designated geography.

How long does a GI registration last?

A GI registration in India is valid for 10 years from the date of application and can be renewed indefinitely for further periods of 10 years each. Authorised user registrations are valid for 10 years and similarly renewable.

Can a GI registered product from India be protected in other countries?

GI protection is territorial, so registration in India does not automatically protect in other countries. However, many countries provide protection to foreign GIs under bilateral agreements or TRIPs provisions. The EU, for example, recognises several Indian GIs. We advise exporters on strategic international GI protection to prevent misappropriation.

Protect Your Product's Origin

Apply for GI Tag