Geographical Indications Law

Geographical Indications (GIs) are a unique form of intellectual property that protect the reputation and distinctive qualities of goods originating from a specific geographic region. GIs are signs used on products that have characteristics, quality, or a reputation that is essentially attributable to their place of origin—whether it's a type of agricultural produce, a manufactured item, food product, or artisanal craft.

By connecting products to their geographic roots, GIs offer consumers assurance of authenticity and preserve the cultural and traditional heritage of communities. For producers, GIs serve as powerful tools to enhance market differentiation, command premium pricing, and protect against imitation and unfair competition.

Legal Framework for GI Protection in India

In India, GI protection is governed by the Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act, 1999, and administered by the Geographical Indications Registry in Chennai. Unlike other intellectual property rights that are typically owned by individuals or corporations, GIs are collective rights held by associations of producers, cooperatives, and government-recognized organizations that represent the interests of legitimate users.

Our Expertise in Geographical Indications

At Fidus Law Chambers, we offer end-to-end GI registration services and advisory for both Indian and international clients seeking protection under India’s GI regime. Our team of experienced Geographical Indication lawyers in India has deep domain knowledge of the unique certification-based nature of GIs and understands the statutory nuances that govern their ownership, use, and enforcement.

We assist clients across all stages of the GI lifecycle, including:

• Assessing registrability and eligibility under Indian GI law
• Preparing and filing GI applications with supporting documentation
• Liaising with the GI Registry and responding to office actions or examination reports
• Attending hearings
• Advising on authorized user registration for individual producers and filing such applications
• Drafting collective use policies and quality control protocols
• Structuring licensing arrangements and usage frameworks
• Monitoring and enforcing GI rights against misuse or misrepresentation

GI Disputes and Enforcement

Our firm is well regarded for its strength in GI enforcement in India, including litigation, opposition, and cancellation proceedings. We have successfully represented clients before the Geographical Indications Registry, the Intellectual Property Appellate Board (IPAB) (before its dissolution), and various High Courts in GI-related disputes.

We have the unique distinction of representing petitioners in India’s first (and only) contentious dispute involving the ownership of a GI for an alcoholic beverage, concerning two Latin American countries. This landmark matter illustrates our cross-border capabilities and understanding of complex jurisdictional and ownership issues in GI protection.

Our team also advises producer groups, state governments, and industry associations on preventing unauthorized use of GIs, drafting policy frameworks for sustainable GI use, and dealing with violations by competitors or infringing parties, both online and offline.

International GI Strategy and Representation

In addition to domestic GI work, we advise foreign producer groups and governments on protecting their GIs in India and understanding India's regulatory landscape for GIs.

At Fidus Law Chambers, we believe that

Geographical Indications

are not just legal rights—they are economic and cultural assets. As one of the most trusted GI law firms in India, our mission is to empower communities and producers by helping them formalize and enforce their rights over products rooted in tradition, geography, and craftsmanship.

Whether you're seeking GI registration, defending ownership in a dispute, or structuring a licensing regime, our Geographical Indication lawyers in India are ready to provide clear, actionable legal guidance that supports both heritage and growth.