India's journey with Geographical Indications (GI) started
10 years back in 2003, when the GI Act and Rules came into force.
In order to comply with India's obligations under the TRIPS
agreement, India enacted the Geographical Indication of Goods
(Registration and Protection) Act, 1999 which came into force with
effect from September 15, 2003.
Geographical indications identify a good as originating in a
particular territory or a region or locality, where a given quality
or reputation or other characteristic of the good is essentially
attributable to its geographical origin. Any association of persons
or producers or any organization or authority established under the
law to represent the interest of the producers of the concerned
goods can apply for registration of GI. There are 34 different
classes of goods, on the basis of which an application for
registration of a GI can be filed. In addition, the same can also
be filed claiming priority from a convention country
