Geographical Indications

Geographical Indication (GI) is a unique label used for products with a specific origin, showcasing qualities or reputation tied to that location. This applies to traditional items like handicrafts, handloom fabrics, food, and agricultural products. Examples include Kanchipuram sarees, Nilgiri Tea, Madurai Jasmine, Nagpur Oranges, or Banaras Silk. When mentioned, these products evoke a clear association with their place of origin. The Indian government offers registration for such products within the country and globally through conventional means. At Solubilis, we take pride in preserving our traditions by providing specialized services to register products with a longstanding reputation as Geographical Indications (GIs) in India.

GI protection helps in preserving traditional knowledge and culinary practices that have been passed down through generations in specific regions. It ensures that traditional recipes and techniques are safeguarded against imitation or misuse. GI certification guarantees certain quality standards and authenticity associated with products originating from specific geographical regions. Consumers can trust the quality and authenticity of GI-tagged food items, thereby reducing the risk of counterfeit or inferior products.

Importance of geographical indications:

  • Geographical Indication (GI) protection contributes to the economic prosperity of producers and overall national development.
  • It boosts business exports, grants legal rights to prevent misuse of certifications in specific regions, and elevates the product's reputation globally.
  • Embracing the "Vocal for Local" initiative, registering locally renowned products as GIs is a positive step.
  • This supports regional economies, enhances local producers' incomes, and aligns with the current emphasis on promoting indigenous products.

Documents required

To apply for geographical indication registration, provide details such as the

  • Name or sign, samples of the product,
  • A description of its unique characteristics and qualities,
  • Historical references, and a map of the originating region.

    • If the geographical indication is from another country, include

  • Documents proving its protection in the country of origin.

    • This comprehensive information ensures a strong application for geographical indication protection.

Procedure to Register

To register a geographical indication, follow these steps:

Step 1: Application submission

Submit the application form along with the case statement (GI-1) in triplicate.

  • The application for registration of geographical indication will be made in triplicate.
    The applicant will then have to submit the prescribed form along with the case statement signed by the applicant along with GI-1.

Step 2: Preliminary Verification

  • The application undergoes a preliminary check for defects, and the applicant must rectify any issues within one month.

Step 3: Show Cause Notice

  • If the Registrar finds objections, a notice is issued, and the applicant must respond within two months or request a hearing.

Step 4: Advertising

  • Accepted applications or those subject to conditions are published in the Geographical Indications Journal within three months.

Step 5: Updates

  • The Registrar may rectify errors or modify the application, subject to conditions, before or after acceptance.

Step 6: Registration

  • Upon acceptance, the Registrar registers the geographical indication and issues a certificate (Form-02) to the applicant. This certificate is provided under the Geographical Indications (Registration and Security) Rules, 2002.

Follow these steps for a smooth geographical indication registration process.

FAQ'S


A geographical indication (GI) is a symbol applied to products originating from a specific geographical location, known for possessing qualities or a reputation tied to that origin. To qualify as a GI, the symbol must identify the product's origin. Furthermore, the inherent qualities, characteristics, or reputation of the product should primarily stem from that specific place of origin. This linkage between the product and its original place of production is established by the dependence of the product's qualities on the geographical location of its creation.

Geographical indications are commonly employed for items such as agricultural products, foodstuffs, wine and spirits, handicrafts, and industrial products.

Producers within the defined geographical area, adhering to specific production conditions for the product, possess the right to use a protected geographical indication.

A collective request for protection can be made by a group of producers associated with the product identified by the geographical indication. These producers, organized as a cooperative or association, are represented by an entity that ensures compliance with agreed-upon requirements. In certain jurisdictions, protection may also be sought by a national competent authority, such as a local government authority.

Any legally established association of individuals, producers, organization, or authority has the right to apply for geographical indication protection. The applicant must act in the best interests of the producers, and the application, accompanied by the prescribed fee, must be submitted in writing using the specified form to the Registrar of Geographical Indications.

Any legally recognized association, group of individuals, organization, or authority can become a registered proprietor. To achieve this, their name must be recorded in the Register of Geographical Indication as the registered proprietor for the specific applied Geographical Indication.

No, a geographical indication is a collective property owned by the producers of the relevant goods. It cannot be assigned, transferred, licensed, pledged, mortgaged, or subjected to similar agreements. However, in the event of the death of an authorized user, their rights pass on to their successor in title.

In the realm of geographical indications, generic terms are labels that, despite indicating the place of origin for a product, have evolved into commonly used terms for such a product. An example is Camembert, originally a geographical indication for cheese, which has now become a generic term applicable to any cheese of a similar type. The shift of a geographical indication into a generic term can happen in various countries and at different periods. This creates scenarios where a particular indication is recognized as a geographical indication in certain countries, while in others, it may be considered a generic term.

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