RM Legal advises producer associations, cooperatives, artisans and businesses on registering and protecting geographical indications (GIs), and on registering producers as authorised users of existing GIs. A GI identifies goods as originating from a particular region, where a given quality, reputation or other characteristic of the goods is essentially attributable to that origin.
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Agricultural goods, natural goods, manufactured goods, handicrafts and foodstuffs can be registered as GIs, provided their quality, reputation or characteristics are linked to their geographical origin. Well-known Indian examples include Darjeeling Tea and Kanchipuram silk.
A GI is a collective right. An application must be made by an association of persons, producers, an organisation or an authority representing the interests of the producers of the goods, not by an individual business for its own exclusive use.
Once a GI is registered, individual producers of the goods in the defined region can apply to be registered as authorised users. Only the registered proprietor and authorised users can use a registered GI, and authorised users can take action against infringement. The official fee for authorised user registration is nominal.
Gujarat has several registered GIs. Surat Zari Craft, registered in 2010 as a handicraft, is the GI most relevant to Surat. Zari producers in the region can apply to be registered as authorised users.
Applications are filed with the Geographical Indications Registry in Chennai. They are examined, considered by a consultative group of experts where required, and advertised in the GI Journal for opposition before registration. A GI registration lasts 10 years and can be renewed for further periods of 10 years. Authorised user registrations must also be renewed.
What is the difference between a GI and a trademark?
A trademark identifies a particular business as the source of goods. A GI identifies the region the goods come from, and can be used by all registered producers from that region who meet its standards.
Can an individual business register a GI?
No. A GI is applied for by an association or organisation representing producers. Individual producers can then register as authorised users.
How do I become an authorised user of a GI?
A producer of the goods in the defined region applies to the GI Registry, usually with the support or consent of the registered proprietor, and with evidence of production in the region.
How long does GI protection last?
10 years, renewable for further periods of 10 years.
Can a registered GI be used by producers outside the region?
No. Using a registered GI on goods that do not originate in the defined region, or by persons who are not authorised users, can amount to infringement.
Reviewed by Nandita Goyal, Partner. Last reviewed: October 2026.