Geographical Indications Laws In India: Challenges And Issues

Geographical Indication (GI) is an important intellectual property right used in the realm of trade to highlight the origin of product which is exclusive to the territory or region where it is produced. Geographical Indications (GIs) are used to identify goods as originating from a particular region as a signifier of quality. Thus, the geography, quality, and reputation of the goods are inextricably interlinked. This enables the producer to convey the credentials of their products to the consumers in the context of information asymmetry.

A well protected GI, when pro-actively used, can be an effective marketing tool as it conveys to the consumers of particular goods and services a certified level of quality, reputation and special characteristics of those goods and services. If not accorded protection, any person can use any geographical indication to any goods or services which may not be at par with the standards of the original goods and services and can cause