When Place Becomes A Brand: The Story Of Geographical Indications And Beyond

Exclusively produced in the Ponduru village in Andhra Pradesh, Ponduru Khadi,also known as Patnulu, has not just remained a fine quality cotton fabric that was once revered by Mahatma Gandhi. As per a recent consideration and allowance by the Intellectual Property Office, this cotton fabric has been accorded the protection of geographical indication (GI), more commonly known as a GI tag in India. This allowance makes it among the latest to be added to the list of protected GIs in India.

Another notable example of a GI tag would be Darjeeling Tea, which was the first Indian product to have been accorded protection as GI in 2004. The Darjeeling tea leaves, which are cultivated on the hilly slopes of Darjeeling, West Bengal, possess distinctive qualities shaped by the climatic and natural conditions of Darjeeling, setting them apart from other variety of teas, such as, the Assam Tea or the Nilgiris Tea.

And then there is Champagne! We pop it open for weddings, reunions, victories, new year’s, and the simple joy of celebration. Yet Champagne is not merely a glamorous descriptor, it is, in fact, a name tied to a village in northeast France. The next question that pops up in one’s mind is why a beverage named after a town and what is so unique about this spirit that draws association with the village named Champagne. To answer it simply, it is protected as GI internationally because the origin gives the product its identity.

From Ponduru to Darjeeling to Champagne, the thread is the same: goods that are inseparable from their geography.

What is a Geographical Indication (or GI Tag)?

The principles of Geographical Indications, or GI tags, are not new; but they are one of the most crucial, however, overlooked intellectual property assets. A geographical indication or a GI tag identifies that a particular product originates from a specific geographical location, possessing certain unique characteristics owing to such geographical area. The uniqueness attributed to such product could be due to natural and/or human factors.

As per the latest data, India boasts of 724 registered geographical indications spread across different states in the country. As per 2024-2025 data, Uttar Pradesh has the highest number of GI tags in India with a score of 77 tags followed by the southern states of Tamil Nadu and Karnataka. The Kashi region in Uttar Pradesh alone has 32 GI tagged products, making it one of the world’s prominent GI hubs.

Geographical Indications’ qualifiers:

GI tags are primarily granted to agricultural, natural, handicraft and manufactured products originating from a particular geographical area, when the product-place link is demonstrated; and are valued for the uniqueness attributed to them due to such geographical origin. Unlike trademarks, a GI is not meant to create a private monopoly; it protects a collective reputation and preserves authenticity for consumers.

Registration or protection process:

India has set in place a comprehensive legal framework in compliance with the TRIPS Agreement of the World Trade Organization, to provide protection and registration of geographical indications. The Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act, 1999 (the ‘Act’) came into force on 15^th December 2003.

Geographical Indications has been defined[i] as indications which identifies goods (namely agricultural goods, natural goods or manufactured goods) as originating or manufactured in a particular territory, region or locality, where a given quality, characteristic or reputation in the goods is attributable to such geographical origin.

The Chapter III of the Act lays down the application process for securing registration of geographical indications in respect of goods originating from a particular geographical origin. The Act provides that an application for registration can be made by an association of persons or producers or any organization/authority established under law, which represents the interests of the producers of the particular goods for which GI registration is being sought. The applicant is required to demonstrate how they wish to represent the interests of the producers and why it should be recognized as the collective voice for the goods.

At the heart of the application is the Statement of Case, which should broadly cover:

the name of the GI, description of the goods and relevant class;
the geographical area of production, with map-based identification;
proof of origin and historical development of the goods through credible documentary evidence; and;
the method of production, including the human and environmental factors that contribute to the goods’ special qualities.

Additionally, a comparative analysis of the said product along with similar products has to be conducted in order to highlight the distinguishing features of such product. Additionally, standards fixed by the producers to ensure quality control, inspection and enforcement geographical indications must be enumerated.

Lastly, the applicant is required to furnish details of the inspection body set up by them to monitor the production in respect of quality, integrity and consistency of the product.

In terms of documentation, the applicant is required to provide the following documents:

A copy of the certificate of registration of the association/ organization applying for the registration of the GI;
Affidavit from such organization/association laying down their authority to represent the interests of the producers;
A copy of the Taluka map to identify the area of production;
Documentary evidence of the historical proof of origin;
Sample lab report (if any).

Is registration possible for foreign GIs under Indian GI law?

India being a signatory to the TRIPS Agreement of the World Trade Organisation is obligated to provide legal mechanism to other WTO members to prevent misuse of geographical indications owned by other WTO member countries.

A foreign product can be protected in India provided the GI is first protected in its own country of origin. Champagne, as mentioned earlier, is a well-known example of a foreign GI that has received protection in India, pursuant to being recognized as a GI in France.

The application for GI registration of a foreign product can be filed by associations/organizations/authorities representing the interest of the producers of such foreign product in India. The remaining GI registration process of a foreign product in India is similar to that of the Indian products and must comply with the provisions as laid down under the Act read with the TRIPS Agreement[ii].

Besides Champagne, India has granted GI protection to notable foreign products namely Peruvian Pisco (Peru), Napa Valley (USA), Scotch Whisky (UK), Prosciutto di Parma (Italy), Cognac (France), Tequila (Mexico), Parmigiano Reggiano (Italy), Irish Whiskey (Ireland), Toscano (Italy), Chianti (Italy), Bayerisches Bier (Germany), among others.

Impact of Geographical Indications on the Economy

In addition to being an important intellectual property asset, GIs also play a key role in developing the economy, particularly the rural and local economy. Geographical indication largely and heavily relies on the traditional methods which are incorporated by a particular local community in creating a product, sometimes often run down through generations.

In a world dominated by industrial methods of production and manufacturing, geographical indications help to recognize and support those local communities who are still using the traditional methods in developing a product. By providing a legal safeguard to these traditional methods, GIs help indigenous communities in striking a balance between preserving the traditional methods and at the same time having access to better economic opportunities and benefits.

Besides development of rural economy, geographical indications have also played an important role in bolstering regional tourism. The whole experience of going through the processes that define and create a product which enjoys a geographical indication tag, is appealing to many, particularly foreigners who flock to such regions. In India, one such popular ‘GI destination’ are the Darjeeling Tea estates, which in the last few years have attracted visitors from all over the world. One will find swarms of people visiting the tea gardens and the tea estates in Darjeeling to witness the traditional tea making process.

Geographical indications are key economic assets as they elevate economic value of a product which is intrinsically linked to particular region. GI granted products augments market visibility, increases demand and generates local employment which holistically results in economic development within a particular region.

The Recent Addition – Ponduru Khadi

Ponduru Khadi, or Patnulu, exemplifies why a GI is more than a label: it can bridge heritage and livelihood. Spun largely by rural women belonging to the Puttasali community in Ponduru, the craft reflects a Gandhian ideal of self-reliance in the face of industrialisation.

The Khadi is derived from the local or indigenous varieties of cotton namely, Punasa Cotton and Hill Cotton (also known as Konda Patti) which is locally cultivated in Ponduru. The uniqueness in this particular kind of Khadi lies in the traditional process wherein the cotton is ginned with the jawbone of the Valuga fish also known as the Great White Sheatfish. It is this traditional and distinctive ginning process which makes the cotton so soft and fine in texture.

The uniqueness of the Ponduru Khadi also lies in the technology that helps in creating such a fine piece of fabric. The Ambar Charka, a multi spindle charkha developed by Ekambaranathan (a disciple of Gandhi) in the 1950s, that is used to spin the cotton, is quite different from the traditional Charka and was developed in order to increase the productivity of the spinner.

Another distinctive feature of the Ponduru Khadi is that unlike conventional khadi, which is hank sized, the Ponduru Khadi is street sized (where the yarn is spread out on a street and sized accordingly). This step strengthens the yarn, rendering it fit to be woven. Once woven, the Patnulu is quite porous and lively in comparison to conventional Khadi.

Conclusion

Geographical Indications undeniable play a prominent role in preserving a region’s rich cultural heritage and identity. The GI tag not only protects and maintains authenticity of traditional products and rewards collective skill, but also helps in developing and supporting the rural economy.

While the legal framework concerning GI is in place, however, the effectiveness of the same has been affected by lack of awareness and weak enforcement. It is the need of the hour that well-structured public awareness campaigns and programs are carried out to educate the relevant public i.e., producers and consumers about the significance and benefits of geographical indications. A robust and well-implemented GI regime can contribute to economic development as well as prevent any unfair competition from taking place, while preserving the traditional knowledge of indigenous communities and building an economic bridge between the past and the future.

Contributed by Aditi Verma Thakur and Doyita Mukherjee

[i] Under Section 2(1)(e) of the Act

[ii] Article 22 to 24 of the TRIPS Agreement