Geographical Indications (GIs) play a crucial role in protecting theintellectual property rights of communities and enhancing the economic value ofregion-specific products. In India, the legal framework for GIs is governed bythe Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act, 1999.This article explores the legal protection afforded to GIs in India, examiningthe pertinent statutory provisions, judicial precedents, and the economicimplications of GI registration. The analysis underscores the significance ofGIs in safeguarding cultural heritage and promoting economic development, with aparticular focus on the intersection between legal enforcement and economicbenefits.
IntroductionThe concept of Geographical Indications (GIs) has gained prominence as a mechanism to protect the unique characteristics of products originating from specific regions. GIs serve as a certification that a product possesses certain qualities, reputation, or characteristics attributable to its geographic origin. The protection of GIs is not merely a matter of preserving cultural …