Some of the examples of possible Geographical Indications in India include Basmati Rice, Darjeeling Tea, Kanchipuram Silk Saree, Alphonso Mango, Nagpur Orange, Kolhapuri Chappal, Bikaneri Bhujia, etc.

Any association of person, producers, organization or authority established by or under the law can apply.

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 Geographical Indication alongwith prescribed fee.

Any association of persons, producers, organization or authority established by or under the law can be registered proprietor. Their name should be entered in the Register of Geographical Indication as registered proprietor for the Geographical Indication applied for.

A producer of goods can apply for registration as an authorised user, with respect to a registered Geographical Indication He should apply in writing in the prescribed form along with prescribed fee.

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

While registration of a Geographical Indication is not compulsory, it offers better legal protection for action for infringement.

Only an authorised user has the exclusive rights to use the Geographical Indication in relation to goods in respect of which it is registered.

The Registration of a Geographical Indication is for a period of ten Years.

Yes, renewal is possible for further periods of 10 years each.

If a Registered geographical indication is not renewed, it is liable to be removed from the register.

The registered proprietor or authorised users of a registered Geographical indication can initiate n infringement action.

No. A Geographical Indication is a public property belonging to the producers of the concerned goods. It shall not be subject matter of assignment, transmission, licensing, pledge, mortgage or such other agreement, However, when an authorised user dies, his right devolves on his successor in title.

Yes. The Appellate Board or the Registrar of Geographical Indication has the power to remove the Geographical Indication or an authorised user from the register. The aggrieved person can file an appeal within three months from the date of communication of the order.

A trademark is a sigh, which is, used in the course of trade and it distinguishers goods or services of one enterprise from those of other enterprises. Whereas geographical indication is used to identify goods having special characteristics originating from definite geographical territory.

Every region has its claim to fame Christopher Columbus sailed from Europe to chart out a new route to capture the wealth of rich Indian spices. English breeders improved Arabian Horses to sire Derby winners. China Silk, Dhaka Muslin, Venetian glass, Coramandal pearls were all treasures sought by the entire world.

Each geographical reputation was carefully built up and painstakingly maintained by the masters of that region, combining the best of Nature and Man, traditionally handed over from one generation to the next for centuries. Today we are moving towards an increasingly global economy with must faster movement of goods, finance people and brands, Regional specialties have been taken for granted upto now without suffering many losses. But now, protection for the brand of the region for its very own uniquencess has become necessary and inevitable, and without delay, through the protection of Geographical Indications, or appellations of origins.

In December 1999, Parliament passed the Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act, 1999, This act seeks to provide for the registration and protection of Geographical Indications relating to goods in India. The Act is administered by the Controller General of Patents, Designs and Trade Marks, who is the Registrar of Geographical Indications. The Geographical inductions Registry is located at Chennai.

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 authorised users.

The registration process is similar to both for registration of a geographical indication and authorised user which is illustrated above.

This unique logo stressed the value of intellectual efforts whereby original ideas, inventions and all products come into being. These efforts can only bear fruit and promote the well being of society if they are adequately protected by law.