A Geographical Indication (GI) is a recognition that grants rights to products specific to a specific geographical area. It is designed to protect the uniqueness, quality and permanent identity of the product.

A Geographical Indication is a legal recognition given to unique products produced in a specific geographical location. It is an important intellectual property right that protects the quality, heritage and identity of that product. Through Geographical Indication: The rights of local producers are protected. Traditional culture and technologies are preserved, acts as a means of preventing counterfeiting, and stimulates rural economic development. In India, the registration and protection of Geographical Indications is implemented through the Geographical Indications Act, 1999. It comes under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry. Therefore, Geographical Indication is a powerful tool to protect the uniqueness and heritage of a product.

Why is GI-labeled products given?

Ø  To protect the uniqueness of the products

Ø  To legally ensure the rights of the producers

Ø  To gain credibility and value in the market

Ø  To prevent copying

Who is it under in India?

Geographical Indication Registration in India:

The Controller General of Patents, Designs and Trademarks operates under the Geographical Indications Registry in Madurai. It is under the aegis of the Ministry of Commerce and Industry.

Some important products that have been granted GI codes (Tamil Nadu for example):

Product Name	Place	Uniqueness
Madurai Jasmine	Madurai	White Flower
Kanyakumari Handicrafts Shawls	Kanyakumari	Handicrafts Heritage
Thiruvannamalai Lamps Made of Mud	Tiruvannamalai	Handicrafts
Sevoor Veshti	Saveur	Traditional Weaving Industry
Herb of Sanjeev	Puliyangudi	Important Herb in Siddha Medicine

Quality and Uniqueness of GI Products:

Natural resources, traditions, traditional technology, culture determine the quality. Every GI product has a cultural and geographical identity.

Authorized Users/Producers:

Once GI is registered, individual producers, cooperatives, associations etc. should be registered as authorized users. The list of these users is recorded in the GI Registry. The GI registrations and the list of users can be viewed on the website https://ipindia.gov.in/.

Why is a Geographical Indication issued?

GI is issued to: Protect traditional knowledge and regional product identity, Prevent unauthorized use or imitation of regional names, Promote rural development and local economies,t he origin and quality of products, It helps producers receive premium prices and recognition, especially in global markets.

Under whose leadership is it operated?

This depends on the country, but typically it is: Operated under the Intellectual Property Office or Patent Office, Supervised by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Trade, or Justice In some countries, WIPO (World Intellectual Property Organization) provides guidance and support.  Example (India): GI Registry is part of the Controller General of Patents, Designs & Trademarks (CGPDTM), Operates under the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), Ministry of Commerce and Industry,

Conclusion of Geographical Indication:

        A Geographical Indication is: A recognition given to unique products produced in a specific place, resulting from the natural environment, culture, traditional knowledge, etc. of that place. GI-labeled products prevent counterfeiting.