GEOGRAPHICAL INDICATIONS
SAFEGUARD YOUR HERITAGE WITH
ROBUST GI PROTECTION
Ensure your goods' origin is protected under India's comprehensive GI Act to prevent misuse and elevate consumer trust.
Geographical Indications (GIs) are a vital facet of Intellectual Property, securing the unique identity and reputation of products tied to their origin. Governed by The Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration & Protection) Act, 1999, this legal framework shields producers from unauthorized use, preserves consumer confidence, and bolsters the global recognition of Indian products. At Khurana and Khurana, we specialize in protecting your GI rights with expert precision, ensuring airtight coverage from misuse and elevating your product’s market presence. Trust us to navigate the complexities of GI protection and safeguard your brand's legacy effectively.
SECURE YOUR PRODUCT’S LEGACY
WITH GI REGISTRATION
Statutory associations, producers, or organizations can apply for GI registration, ensuring their interests are protected. Producers in agriculture, natural goods, and handicrafts are eligible under the law.
Agricultural Goods
Production, processing, and trading activities.
Natural Goods
Exploitation, trading, and dealing.
Handicrafts/Industrial Goods
Manufacturing, trading, and process-related activities.
FILING REQUIREMENTS
Ordinary Application
An Application which has been filed to register a Geographical Indication of India. The Geographical Indications Registry for the purposes of registration of GIs, is located in Chennai.
Convention Application
An Application filed for registration of a Geographical Indication from a convention country, along with proof of registration / filing of that Geographical Indication in the Home Country.
Single Class Application
An application which has been filed to register for a specification of goods included in one class.
Multi Class Application
A single application filed for registration of Geographical Indications for different or more than one classes of goods.
Divisional Application
A divided application made by the division of a single initial application for registration of a geographical indication for different classes of goods.
WHO IS ENTITLED TO APPLY?
Any association of persons, producers, organization or authority established by or under any law representing the interest of the producers of the concerned goods.
Applicants must be legal entities representing producers. Non-producer organizations must prove they represent producers to apply for GI registration.
Under the law of GI, persons dealing with the following three categories of goods are considered Producers:
Agricultural Goods
Natural Goods
Manufactured Goods
Handicrafts or Industrial goods
Foodstuffs
GI APPLICATION PROSECUTION
1
Initial Review
Examiner reviews application and Statement of Case for GI Act compliance.
2
Deficiency Notice
Deficiencies, if any, are communicated to the Applicant/Agent for correction..
3
Time Limit
Correct deficiencies promptly or risk abandonment; extension possible with fee.
4
Submission to Registrar
Corrected applications are submitted to the Registrar for further review.
5
Consultative Group
Registrar may form a Consultative Group to verify application details.
6
Examination Report
Registrar issues an Examination Report based on the Consultative Group’s feedback.
7
Report Content
The report may include objections or propose conditional acceptance with amendments.
8
Applicant Response
Applicant must respond within two months by complying, observing, or requesting a hearing.
9
Dismissal Risk
Failure to respond, amend, or attend the hearing results in dismissal of the application.
10
Publication
Accepted applications are published in the GI Journal.
OPPOSITION PROCESS IN
GI REGISTRATION
Any person can oppose the registration of a geographical indication within three months of its advertisement in the GI Journal. The applicant must submit a counter statement within two months of receiving the opposition notice, outlining the grounds for the application. The opponent must then provide evidence within two months of receiving the counter statement. Following the completion of evidence, the Registrar conducts a hearing after giving a one-month notice. After hearing both parties, the Registrar considers the evidence and issues a decision, notifying both parties in writing.