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Registration of Geographical Indication – An Overview

Have You Heard About the Registration of Geographical Indication? The Registration of Geographical Indication is a legal process that protects products originating from a specific geographical region and possessing unique qualities, reputation, or characteristics linked to that origin.

Governed by the Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act 1999, this registration ensures exclusive rights for authorized users and prevents unauthorized use of the registered product name. It also supports the local economy by promoting goods specific to the region and preserving traditional knowledge. Since the uniqueness of such products is closely linked to their place of origin, there is a strong correlation between the product and its geographical location.

A registered GI shall be valid for 10 years. At Corpbiz, we assist in obtaining GI registration, helping producers safeguard their rights and enhance the market value of their region-specific products.

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Geographical Indication
RNI Geographical Indication

What is Geographical Indication?

A Geographical Indication (GI) is a name or sign used on products that originate from a specific geographical location and have qualities, characteristics, or a reputation that are directly linked to that place of origin. The primary objective of a GI is to ensure the quality, credibility, and distinctiveness of such products due to their geographical source.

The Government of India Registry for GI registration serves two main purposes: it protects against counterfeiting and misleading trade practices, and it strikes a balance between trademark protection and GI protection. As of now, India has registered over 600 GIs.

The first GI to be registered in India was Darjeeling Tea from West Bengal, which received its registration in 2004. Among all registered products, handicrafts make up the largest category, followed by agricultural goods.

Benefits of Registration of GI

Online registration of geographical indication comprises legal protection against unauthorized use, boosting exports, and encouraging economic prosperity for producers. The list of benefits of registration of GI is as follows:

Benefits of Geographical Indication registration
Ease of Access & Doing Business

Branding

A unique geographical location product origin becomes a brand in itself, acting as a marketing tactic. It also helps in eliminating intermediaries, leading to higher profits for the producers of the heritage art and goods. It’s a key merit of registration of Geographical Indication.

Transparency and Time-Bound Processing

Proof of Product Quality

A product with a GI tag facilitates a guarantee of premium quality. The products are backed by the history of origin location and recognized by the national government of the country of origin, and in some cases, recognized by multiple governments all over the world. This leads to an increase in the possible income in the market both from premium quality and heritage attached to it.

Strengthens Foreign Publication

Authenticity

The product with a GI tag safeguards the genuine products from potential copycats in the market. With the advances in science and technology, it is quite possible to imitate products in the market, creating confusion among customers. Thus, online registration of Geographical Indication protects the essence of centuries of practice and from potential imitations.

Lowers Greenhouse Gas Emissions

Cultural Protection

The GI tag products are rooted in the heritage and craft of the place of their origin, whether they are natural or manufactured goods. The registration of a geographical indication helps to preserve and protect the traditional method of production helping to protect the local culture and heritage. With the introduction of the GI tag under the Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act 1999, crafts that had been dying from the lack of patronage were revived post GI tag.

Protection Against Third-Party Claim

Increase in tourism

The GI tag also increases tourism across the globe since there is a connection between the global reputation gained based on the increasing global demand for such products. It is one of the significant benefits of registration of GI.

valuable Resources

Economic Boost

The product with the GI tag has a higher economic value than any other regular product in the market due to its guarantee and quality from the geographical origin, increasing the demand in the respective market.

Who can Apply for Registration of Geographical Indication?

Any association of persons, producers, organizations, or authority established by or under the law can apply for the registration of geographical indication:

  • The applicant must represent the interests of the producers
  • The application should be in writing in the prescribed form
  • The application should be addressed to the Registrar of the Geographical Indications along with the prescribed fee.

List of Non-Registrable Registration of GI

The list of non-registrable registration of GI (Geographical Indication) is as follows:

  • Geographical indications that are likely to deceive or confuse consumers in the market.
  • Those geographical indications that are contrary to law and violate the existing relevant law.
  • In case the geographical indications contain offensive or scandalous content.
  • Geographical indications that could offend religious or cultural sentiments.
  • Those indications that have become a generic term or no longer represent their actual geographical origin.
  • A false representation of the geographical indication, claiming that goods are from a different place, mislead the consumers even if such goods are made there.
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Geographical Indication registration online
Documents for Geographical Indication registration

Documents Required for Registration of GI

The list of documents required for registration of GI are as follows:

  • 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.
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Registration of Geographical Indication Process

The step-by-step registration of geographical indication process is as follows:

Document Submission

Step:1: Check the Eligibility Criteria

First and foremost, the applicant must check and determine if the geographical indication fulfils the criteria as per Section 2(1)(e) of the Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act, 1999

Step:2 Filing of an Application

Followed by filing an appropriate application with the concerned authority. This application must be filed by the association of persons, producers, or any organization, like a cooperative or society, that represents the interest of the producers. Additionally, the applicant must provide an affidavit stating that they represent the interest of the producers of the concerned goods. We file the application on your behalf.

Step:3 Submission of Documents

Along with the application for Registration of GI tag in India, you must annexe all the necessary documents like three copies of the applications, a statement of the case, information regarding product special features, three certified copies of the region map, details of inspection structure, applicant information, etc. At Corpbiz, we assist you with the documentation.

Step:4 Preliminary Scrutiny and Examination

The Geographical Indications Registry, after receiving the application, will conduct an evaluation and scrutinization of the same to determine any deficiencies or errors before proceeding further. If any defects are found, the applicant is required to correct them within a period of one month of being notified. Notably, a constructive group of experts will evaluate the contents of the statement of the case, and accordingly, a report shall be prepared, and if necessary, recommend fixes or more information as needed.

Step 5: Show Cause Notice

In case the Registrar has an objection to the application, he shall serve a show cause notice with the reasons for objections, and the same has to be responded to by the applicant within two months or appeal for a hearing on objections. Accordingly, the Registrar's decision will be communicated to the applicant, and the applicant is at liberty to appeal the decision within one month after being served with the decision. Meanwhile, in case the application is accepted in error, the Registrar may withdraw the same after giving the applicant a chance to be heard.

Step 6: Publication in the Geographical Indications Journals

Once the Online Registration of the Geographical Indication application is accepted by the Registrar, the application will be published in the official Geographical Indications Journal within three months. The publication allows for openness and offers the public a chance to oppose the said registration.

Step 7: Opposition to Registration

Any person can file an opposition within three months of the journal publication, and the same may be extended for one month on request to the Registrar prior to the lapse of the initial three months. In case of opposition, the applicant shall, within two months, submit a counterstatement or else the application shall be deemed abandoned. At Corpbiz, we help you in submitting a counterstatement.

Step 8: Issuance of GI Registration Certificate

If no opposition is raised or the opposition is dismissed and favour was given to the applicant, then the Registrar will issue and grant the GI registration certificate to the applicant with the official seal. Also, the date of filing an application for registration of Geographical Indication will be considered the date of registration.

Removal & Restoration of Registration of Geographical Indication

Given below are the points that indicate the removal and restoration of registration of geographical indication:

Removal of Online Registration of Geographical Indication

  • Typically, the GI registration is valid for ten years, and the same must be renewed before it expires to enjoy the same benefits. Otherwise, the GI of the product may be removed from the register if the registered owner does not file a renewal application.
  • In case the registered product fails to meet the standards for which it was registered or if the qualities and attributes it represents are no longer maintained.
  • If the registration of the Geographical Indication is obtained inaccurately or fraudulently, any interested party may submit a petition for the removal of such GI tag.
  • In case the geographical indication evolves over time and becomes a generic term no longer linked to a particular region, such GI registration may be annulled.
  • If the Registrar determines that the GI should not have been registered initially, it may be removed from the record. Additionally, any interested party can seek cancellation of the GI tag before the Intellectual Property Appellate Board (IPAB) or the relevant authority.

Restoration of Registration of Geographical Indication

  • Typically, the Registration of Geographical Indication is valid for ten years and needs to be renewed before then, otherwise GI registration will be removed from the register.
  • In case of lapse of the renewal period, the Registration of GI may be reinstated within six months of the expiry period. However, the owner must pay the prescribed renewal fees for the same.
  • The Registrar, after considering the justification of the lapse of renewal, may either accept or deny the restoration of registration of GI.
  • In case the Registration of Geographical Indication is not renewed within the grace period of six months, then such registration will be permanently deleted from the GI register. Anybody can use such a GI tag after being removed, and re-registration will be required for a new application.

Eligibility for Online Registration of Geographical Indication

The eligibility criteria for registration of geographical indication are as follows:

Regulation on Geographical Indication registration
  • 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.

State-wise GI Registration in India (Late 2024-Early 2025)

As of 2024, India has 643 registered Geographical Indication (GI) tags. Given below are the state-wise GI registration in India as of late 2024 and early 2025=

States with Online Registration of Geographical Indication

  • Uttar Pradesh – 69 GI Registrations
  • Tamil Nadu – 69 GI Registrations
  • Karnataka – 48 GI Registrations
  • Kerala – 31 GI Registrations

States with Registration of Geographical Indication

  • Maharashtra – 33 GI Registrations
  • West Bengal – 26 GI Registrations
  • Northeastern States – 42 GI Registrations

Examples of India’s Registration of Geographical Indication

Some of the famous India’s registration of Geographical Indication are as follows:

  • Basmati Rice
  • Darjeeling Tea
  • Banaras Brocades and Sarees
  • Coorg Orange
  • Phulkari
  • Kolhapuri Chappals
  • Kanjivaram Sarees
  • Agra Petha
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Duration of the Validity of Registration of Geographical Indication

Typically, in India, the validity of registration of geographical indication is initially for ten years from the date of submission of an application. However, the registration for GI can be renewed indefinitely in successive ten-year intervals, providing an ongoing legal protection. Meanwhile, to keep the GI registration valid, a renewal application must be submitted before the current registration expires.

In case of the failure to renew the GI registration within the prescribed timeframe, then such GI will be removed from the registrar, though it can be reinstated or restored within a six-month grace period. Overall, this legal framework provides long-term protection of geographical indication, safeguarding the authenticity, reputation and market value of products associated with particular regions.

Why Opt for Corpbiz for Registration of Geographical Indication?

The reasons to trust Corpbiz for registration of geographical indication are as follows:

Obtain a Geographical Indication Certificate

12+ Years of Proven Success Record

We have 12+ years of strong track record of successful GI registrations, reflecting our reliability and commitment to quality outcomes.

Assistance in Documentation

Comprehensive GI Registration & Protection Services

We offer an all-in-one solution for the Registration of Geographical Indication and related IP protection under the Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act, 1999.

Submission of Form

Expert Legal & IP Team

Our team of seasoned legal experts and IP professionals ensures complete compliance with Indian GI regulations and procedures.

Evaluation & Audit

Transparent & Affordable Pricing

Corpbiz offers clear, budget-friendly pricing with no hidden charges, ensuring complete transparency at every step.

Ecopreneurs

Client-Centric Approach

We understand the unique value of your product and provide tailored assistance throughout the GI registration process.

online Geographical Indication registration

24/7 Expert Assistance

Connect with us anytime via phone, email, or WhatsApp — our team is available round-the-clock to resolve your concerns.

online Geographical Indication registration

Error-Free Documentation

Our professionals meticulously prepare all documents to minimize the chances of objections or delays during examination.

Geographical Indication title registration

In-Depth Legal Knowledge

We possess strong domain expertise in the Geographical Indications law and related legal frameworks for seamless execution.

Geographical Indication title registration

Coordination with GI Registry

We manage end-to-end liaison with the GI Registry and other relevant authorities for a smooth and efficient registration journey.

Frequently Asked Questions for Registration of GI

Have a look at the answers to the most asked questions.

A geographical indication is a sign given to the products that originates from the definite geographical territory. Typically, it is used to identify agricultural, natural or manufactured goods. The manufactured goods should be produced, processed or prepared in the specific territory.

When geographical indication application is opposed, you can submit a counter-statement, adduce evidence, and appear at the hearing in defense of your application.

A registered geographical indication lasts for 10 years from the date of an application and may be renewed by paying a prescribed renewal fee.

According to the Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act 1999, a registered proprietor of a geographical indication is any association of persons, producers, organizations, or authorities established by or under the law. Also, their name should be entered in the Register of Geographical Indication as registered proprietor for the Geographical Indication applied for.

The list of producers in relation to a geographical indication is as follows:
  • A person dealing with agricultural goods, including production, processing, trading, or dealing.
  • A person dealing with natural goods, such as exploiting, trading, or dealing.
  • A person dealing with handicrafts or industrial goods, such as making, manufacturing, trading, or dealing.

No, online registration of geographical indication is not compulsory, though registration facilitates legal protection from infringement. The registered proprietor and authorized users can initiate an infringement action. The authorized user can exclusively enjoy the rights available with the geographical indication accordingly.

An authorized user can exclusively use the registered geographical indication in relation to goods in respect of which it is registered.

Yes, the geographical indication can be renewed from time to time for a further period of ten years.

If the geographical indication is not renewed, then it will be removed from the register, allowing others to use such indications.

The registered proprietor or authorized users of the registered geographical indication can initiate an inurnment action.

Authors

Written by Aarya Pokharel. Last updated on Nov 11 2025, 09:48 PM

Aarya Pokharel brings 3 years of solid experience in legal research and compliance. Her expertise spans tax filing, secretarial compliances, and advisory services, with a strong focus on delivering precise legal research and strategic advisory support.

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