Geographical Indications: Importance, Protection and Benefits - An Indian Perspective

Geographical Indications (GI) are intellectual property rights, which identify that a product originates in a certain geographical region, and its quality, reputation or other characteristics are essentially attributable to its geographical origin. This paper considers the scope of geographical indications and illustrates the relevance and importance that can be derived from its protection. Geographical indications can play an important role in brand building as well. The TRIPS Agreement lays down the minimum standards for the protection of geographical indications. In India, the legal framework is prescribed by the Geographical Indications of Goods Act, 1999. Darjeeling tea, Chanderi silk, the Nagpur orange, andtheBikaneribhuija are examples of GIs. However, certain issues such as the control of monopolistic implications and benchmarking of reputation and quality may prevent complete realisation of benefits under the Act.