Registration OF Geographical Indication (GI)

An Overview of Geographical Indication Registration

Geographical Indication (GI) is a type of intellectual property right that provides protection to goods that have a specific geographical origin and possess certain unique qualities, reputation, or characteristics that are attributable to that origin. GI registration allows producers of these goods to use the registered GI tag on their products, thereby distinguishing them from similar products of other origins and increasing their market value.

Corpbiz offers Geographical Indication registration services to protect the rights of producers of unique and high-quality products that are associated with a particular geographical region. In this service page, we will discuss the regulations applicable to GI registration in India, the eligibility criteria and mandatory pre-requisites for obtaining GI registration, Documents required for GI registration, the procedure for obtaining GI registration, and the benefits of GI registration.

Applicable Rules and Regulations for Geographical Indication

The Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act, 1999 provides the legal framework for the registration and protection of geographical indications in India. The Act outlines the procedure for registration of geographical indications and the rights and obligations of registered proprietors. The Act also provides for the establishment of a Geographical Indications Registry, which is responsible for the registration and administration of geographical indications in India.

Benefits of GI Registration

If you are a producer or manufacturer of a product that has a unique geographical identity, registering your Geographical Indication can provide legal protection to the unique characteristics of your product and prevent unauthorized use of your product's name and reputation. Here are some of the benefits of Geographical Indication registration:

• Protection of Unique Identity: Registration of a Geographical Indication provides legal protection to the unique identity, reputation, and quality of your product that is associated with its geographical origin.
• Prevention of Unauthorized Use: Geographical Indication registration prevents unauthorized use of your product's name, reputation, and identity by third parties.
• Marketing Advantage: A registered Geographical Indication provides a marketing advantage to the producer or manufacturer by enhancing the marketability of the product, increasing consumer confidence, and commanding a premium price.
• Boost to Rural Economy: Geographical Indication registration promotes the development of rural economy by encouraging traditional practices, promoting employment, and creating a sustainable value chain.
• Global Recognition: Geographical Indication registration provides global recognition to your product and its origin, leading to increased exports and foreign exchange earnings.

Eligibility and Mandatory Pre-Requisites For Registration Of GI

To register a geographical indication in India, the following eligibility criteria and pre-requisites must be met:

• The product must have a specific geographical origin.
• The product must possess qualities, reputation or characteristics that are essentially attributable to its geographical origin.
• The product must not fall under any of the prohibited categories such as generic names or indications that are contrary to public order or morality.
• The applicant must be an association of persons, producers or any organization representing the interests of the producers.
• The applicant must have a direct interest in the production, marketing or sale of the product.

Documents Required To Register GI

The following Documents are required for registration of a geographical indication in India:

• Application for registration in the prescribed form.
• Statement of case.
• Details of the product, including its unique features, method of production, and the link between the product and its geographical origin.
• Evidence to establish the link between the product and its geographical origin, such as maps, photographs, and historical records.
• Authorization letter, if the application is filed by an agent.
• Power of attorney, if the application is filed by a legal representative.
• Certified copy of the priority Document, if applicable.

Registration of Geographical Indication Procedure

If you are looking to register a geographical indication in India, the following are the general steps involved in the registration process:

• Conduct a Search: Conduct a search to ensure that the proposed geographical indication is not already registered or pending registration.
• Prepare the Application: Prepare the application for registration of the geographical indication in the prescribed form along with the required Documents.
• File the Application: File the application with the Geographical Indications Registry along with the prescribed fee.
• Examination: The Geographical Indications Registry examines the application to ensure that it meets the eligibility criteria and the pre-requisites for registration.
• Publication: If the application is accepted, the geographical indication is published in the Geographical Indications Journal.
• Opposition: Any person can oppose the registration of the geographical indication within three months of its publication in the Geographical Indications Journal.
• Registration: If there is no opposition or the opposition is rejected, the geographical indication is registered, and the registered proprietor is entitled to use the registered GI tag on the product.

Cancellation, Validity and Renewal Of GI Registration

A registered Geographical Indication can be cancelled or invalidated on the grounds of non-use, failure to comply with the provisions of the GI Act or if it is found to be misleading or deceptive. The validity of a Geographical Indication registration is for a period of 10 years and can be renewed for a further period of 10 years upon payment of the prescribed fee and filing of the Documents.