What is a Geographical Indication?

Geographical Indications means an indication which identifies   such  goods as agriculture goods, natural goods or manufactured goods as originating, or manufactured  in the territory of a country, or a  region or locality in that territory, where a given quality, reputation or other characteristic of such goods is essentially attributable to its geographical origin. 

 Each geographical reputation was carefully built up and painstakingly maintained by the master of that region, combining the best of nature and man, traditionally handed over from one generation to the next for centuries.   

Examples of geographical Indication in India 

Basmati Rice, Darjeeling Tea, Kanchipuram Silk Saree, Kolhapuri Chappal, Aranmula Kannadi etc

Benefits of registration

                        It prevents unauthorized use of a registered Geographical  Indication goods by third parties. 

                        It boosts exports

                        It promote  economic prosperity of producers.

                        Only an authorized user has the exclusive rights to use the geographical indication in relation to goods in respect of which it is registered.

Who can apply for the registration?

                        Association of persons, producers can apply. 

Who is the producer? 

                        A producer is a person dealing with three categories of goods.

Agriculture goods including the production, processing, trading or dealing.

Natural goods including exploiting, trading or dealing.

Handicrafts or industrial goods including making, manufacturing, trading or dealing 

The Registration process

The Register of geographical indication is divided into two parts. Part ‘A’ consists of particulars relating to registered geographical indications and Part ‘B’ consists of particulars  of the registered authorized users .

The Registration process is similar to both for registration  of a geographical indication and an  authorized user which is illustrated below.