Geographical Identification (GI) Tag

You may have heard of products such as Aranmula Kannadi of Kerala, Kanchipuram Sarees of Tamil Nadu, and Feni of Goa. These products are named after the places they originated from and are unique in their own sense. Their names are not just an indication of where they originate; they also signify that these products are exclusively grown or manufactured in those particular geographic locations. Hence, such products come with a Geographical Identification Tag. Let's take a closer look at what a GI Tag is and why it is essential.

What is a Geographical Indication?

A Geographical Indication Tag is a symbol used on products that have a particular geographical origin and possess certain qualities or a reputation due to that origin. Some well-known examples worldwide include Darjeeling, a renowned tea, and Tequila, known for its distinct origin. These tags establish a link between a product and its place of origin, ensuring that the product's reputation or quality is due to its geographical location.

Importance of Geographical Identification Tags

Geographical Identification Tags are essential for various reasons:

A GI tag plays a vital role for producers in distinguishing their products from competitors in the market.
This tag enables producers to build a stellar reputation and goodwill for their products, often leading to premium pricing.
Geo-tagged products boost exports, tourism, and cultural heritage. For example, Kanjeevaram Silk Sarees contribute to India's exports due to their popularity and cultural significance. Discover more about promoting exports through initiatives like the Credit Guarantee Scheme for Startups.
Geographical Identification Tags enhance trade activities by ensuring legal protection, preserving traditional skills, and encouraging employment generation. This is vital for enhancing livelihoods and supporting initiatives such as the Mahila Shakthi Scheme.
The rural economy benefits in various ways, including improved income generation for farmers and non-farmers.
Legitimate producers gain market control while creating legal barriers against counterfeit products.

Geographical Identification vs Trademark

Both Geographic Identification and Trademarks are distinctive signs that distinguish goods and services in the marketplace, conveying vital information about product origin. While trademarks inform consumers about the source company of a product, Trademark Rectification ensures accurate registration records.

In contrast, Geographical Identification Tags link products to their place of origin, emphasizing quality, characteristics, or reputation associated with that region. These tags benefit a group of producers within the specified location, unlike trademarks which can be licensed worldwide.

Process of Issuing GI Tags

Here is an overview of the registration process for obtaining a Geographical Identification Tag for a product:

Step 1: Filing the Application

Before applying for a GI Tag, ensure the product falls within the definition outlined in Section 2(1)(e) of the Trademarks Act of 1999. An association representing producers' interests must file an affidavit along with the application. The following conditions must be met:

The application must be in three copies for office use.
It must be signed by the applicant or their agent.
Include detailed product information, unique characteristics, and maintenance standards.
Submit three certified copies of the region's map related to the GI Tag.
Provide details about the inspection structure to regulate GI Tag usage in the region.
Include the applicant's details and address. For those intending to close a business, consider processes like GST Cancellation.

Send the application to:

Geographical Indications Registry
Intellectual Property Office Building
Industrial Estate, GST Road
Guindy, Chennai-600 032
Phone: 044-22502091-93 or 044-22502091-98
Fax: 044-22502090

Step 2: Preliminary Review and Examination

The Examiner scrutinizes the application for errors.
The applicant must remedy errors within one month of notification.
A consultative group of experts assesses the application details.
An Examination Report is issued for the case.

Step 3: Show Cause Notice

If the Registrar has objections, they notify the applicant.
The applicant must respond within two months or request a hearing.
The Registrar communicates the decision, with appeal options available.
The Registrar may withdraw a GI application if accepted in error, allowing the applicant to present their case.

Step 4: Publication in Geographical Identification Journal

Accepted applications are published in the Geographical Identifications Journal within three months.

Step 5: Opposition to Registration

Any individual may file opposition within three months, extendable by a month upon request.
The Registrar serves a copy of the objection notice to the applicant.
The applicant must respond with a counter-statement within two months. Without response, the application will be considered abandoned.
Both parties present evidence through affidavits and supporting documents.
A Hearing date is scheduled.

Step 6: Registration of the Product

The Registrar registers the product if the application is accepted, using the application date as the registration date.
A certificate with the Geographical Identifications Registry seal is issued.

Step 8: Renewal

A registered Geographical Identification is valid for 10 years and may be renewed with a renewal fee.

Back to Learn

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Geographical Identification GI Tag.

A Geographical Indication (GI) Tag is a sign used on products that have a specific geographical origin and possess qualities or a reputation due to that origin. It links a product to its place of origin, where the characteristics of the product are influenced by the geographical location.

GI Tags are essential for several reasons, including differentiating products in the market, building reputation and goodwill, boosting exports and tourism, preserving cultural heritage and traditional skills, enhancing trade activity, providing legal protection against counterfeit products, and generating employment and income in rural areas.

A trademark conveys information about the source or company responsible for a product or service, whereas a GI Tag identifies a product based on its place of origin and associates it with specific qualities or characteristics due to that geographical location.

No, a GI Tag cannot be licensed or assigned to an individual outside the respective place of origin or not belonging to the group of authorized producers of the product, as it is linked to the location of the source.

The product must meet the definition of a GI Tag under the Trademarks Act, the applicant must represent the interests of producers, and details like the product's unique characteristics, standards, inspection structure, and a map of the region must be provided.

The process involves filing an application with the Geographical Indications Registry, preliminary examination, publication in the GI Journal, addressing potential oppositions, and finally, registration of the product if accepted.

A registered GI Tag is valid for 10 years and can be renewed by paying the required renewal fee.

The consultative group of experts assesses the accuracy of the particulars furnished in the application and ensures that the product meets the requirements for a GI Tag.

Yes, any individual can file a notice of opposition to the application within three months of its publication in the GI Journal, and the applicant will have the opportunity to respond with a counter-statement.

GI Tags can contribute to the rural economy by generating employment opportunities, improving income for farmers and non-farmers, and preserving traditional skills associated with the products, which often fetch premium prices due to their geographical association.