Geographical Indications Registration

A geographical indication (GI) is a name or identification used on certain products that hails from a specific geographical location or origin. The use of geographical indication may act as a certification that the product possesses certain authentic qualities and is made according to traditional methods. This way, a product enjoys a certain reputation due to its geographical origin.

GI protects traditional products produced by rural communities over generations that have gained a reputation in the markets for their specific qualities. This helps the community of producers to invest in maintaining the specific qualities of the product because of which the reputation is built. It allows them to put more efforts in promoting the reputation of the product.

Following are few examples of geographical indications registered in India – ‘Darjeeling Tea’, ‘Aranmula Kannadi’, ‘Kancheepuram Silk’, ‘Kashmir Pashmina’, ‘Feni’, ‘Santipore Saree’, ‘Kullu Shawl’, ‘Mysore Silk’ and ‘Basmti Rice’.