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Geographical Indications in India are governed by the [Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act 1999](https://ipindia.gov.in/gi.htm) and the GI Rules 2002, in compliance with India's TRIPS obligation under Article 22-24. A GI is an indication which identifies a good as originating in the territory of a country, or a region or locality in that territory, where a given quality, reputation, or other characteristic of the good is essentially attributable to its geographical origin. Registration is for 10 years, renewable for further 10-year periods (no maximum cap) under Section 18. The GI Registry is at Chennai. Any association of persons, producers, organisation, or authority established by or under any law for the time being in force representing the interest of the producers of the concerned goods can apply in Form GI-1 (Rule 23). India has registered over 530 GIs as of 2026 (the first being Darjeeling Tea in 2003-2004, certificate no. 1). Penalties for infringement are under Sections 22-23 (imprisonment 6 months to 3 years + fine ₹50,000 to ₹2 lakh). I-Pro Solutions' GI practice is led by IP Attorneys with experience in producer-association registration, GI specification drafting (Statement of Case + geographical map + method of production), and enforcement through District Court civil suits.
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Under Section 11 of the GI Act 1999, any association of persons, producers, organisation, or authority established by or under any law representing the interest of the producers of the concerned goods can apply. The applicant must be a collective body - individual producers cannot apply alone. The application is filed in Form GI-1 (Rule 23) with the GI Registry at Chennai, including a Statement of Case, geographical map, method of production, proof of origin, and the authorized user list.
Under Section 18 of the GI Act 1999, GI registration is valid for 10 years from the date of registration (which is the date of filing of the application). It can be renewed for further 10-year periods by filing Form GI-3 + paying the renewal fee under Rule 35. There is no maximum cap on renewals - a GI can be renewed indefinitely as long as the producers continue to make the good using the traditional method. Failure to renew results in the GI being removed from the Register.
A trademark under the Trade Marks Act 1999 identifies the commercial source of goods/services - it belongs to a single entity (or licensee group) and is transferable with the business. A GI under the GI Act 1999 identifies the geographical origin - it belongs collectively to all producers in the region who follow the traditional method, is non-transferable (cannot be assigned), and is a public-good-style right held by the producer community. Darjeeling Tea is a GI; Brooke Bond is a trademark.
Under Section 22 of the GI Act 1999, selling or exporting goods with a registered GI applied when the goods do not originate in the indicated territory is an offence punishable with imprisonment for a term of 6 months to 3 years and fine of ₹50,000 to ₹2 lakh. Section 23 (falsely applying a GI) carries the same penalty. The offence is cognizable and bailable. Civil remedies include injunction, damages, and account of profits under Section 21.
GI registration at the Chennai Registry typically takes 18-36 months from filing of Form GI-1. Steps: (i) Filing + Formality check (1-2 months); (ii) Examination + Statement of Objections (3-6 months); (iii) Reply to objections + hearing if needed (3-6 months); (iv) Acceptance + Publication in GI Journal (1-2 months); (v) 4-month opposition window; (vi) Registration certificate if no opposition or after opposition successful. About 530+ GIs have been registered since 2003.