The Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act 1999, enacted to comply with India\'s obligations under TRIPS Article 22, protects indications that identify goods as originating in a defined territory where a given quality, reputation or other characteristic is essentially attributable to its geographical origin.
GI registration in India is administered by the Geographical Indications Registry at Chennai. An application may be filed by any association of persons, producers, organisation or authority representing the interest of producers of the concerned goods. The Registry examines the application for compliance, publishes it in the GI Journal for opposition, and if no opposition is sustained, registers the GI. Registered GI holders are proprietors of the indication; individual producers within the territory must apply for authorised-user status to use the GI commercially. As of 2026, India has over 500 registered GIs, including Darjeeling Tea, Basmati Rice, Kanchipuram Silk and Chanderi Fabric.
AMLEGALS advises producer associations, statutory bodies and individual producers on GI registration, authorised-user applications, infringement actions, opposition proceedings and the interface between GI protection and trademark law. The practice covers agricultural products, handicrafts, textiles, food products and manufactured goods.
Advising producer associations on filing GI applications, preparing the statement of case and managing examination and publication.
Filing and managing authorised-user applications for individual producers within the registered territory.
Filing or defending opposition to GI registration before the Registrar.
Advising on infringement actions under Section 21 and passing off of geographical indications.
Advising on conflicts between registered GIs and trademarks, including priority and coexistence.
Advising on the protection of Indian GIs abroad and foreign GIs in India under bilateral agreements and TRIPS.
A geographical indication under the GI Act 1999 is an indication that identifies goods as originating in a defined territory, region or locality in a country, where a given quality, reputation or other characteristic of the goods is essentially attributable to its geographical origin. In the case of manufactured goods, one of the activities of production, processing or preparation must take place in that territory.
An application for GI registration can be filed by any association of persons or producers, any organisation or authority established by law representing the interest of producers of the concerned goods. Individual producers cannot file for GI registration but can apply for authorised-user status after the GI is registered.
A trademark identifies goods as originating from a specific commercial enterprise and can be licensed or assigned. A geographical indication identifies goods as originating from a specific geographical territory and belongs collectively to all producers in that territory who meet the quality standards. A GI cannot be assigned or licensed.
The registered proprietor or any authorised user can institute infringement proceedings under Section 21 of the GI Act. Infringement includes the use of a GI by a person who is not an authorised user, use of a false GI, or use in a manner that misleads the public as to the geographical origin of the goods. Remedies include injunctions, damages and delivery up.
India has over 500 registered GIs. Notable examples include Darjeeling Tea (GI No. 1, the first registered Indian GI), Basmati Rice, Chanderi Fabric, Mysore Silk, Kanchipuram Silk, Alphonso Mango (Ratnagiri), Tirupathi Laddu, Banaras Brocades and Sarees, Phulkari, Kullu Shawl and Kashmir Pashmina.
No. No engagement is treated as accepted until conflicts, scope and terms are confirmed in writing.
Share the details for a confidential assessment.