“FROM REGISTRATION TO REALISATION: LEGAL CHALLENGES IN TRANSLATING GI PROTECTION INTO ECONOMIC GAINS”

Abstract

Geographical Indications (GIs) are a unique form of intellectual property that link products to their specific geographical origins, conferring upon them qualities, reputation, or characteristics essentially attributable to that origin. In India, GIs have been positioned as a tool for rural development, cultural preservation, and economic empowerment, especially for communities engaged in agriculture, handicrafts, and traditional industries. Despite a robust legal framework and a rapidly expanding registry—India had over 650 registered GIs as of 2025—the translation of GI registration into tangible economic benefits for stakeholders remains a challenge. These challenges are multifaceted, encompassing legal, administrative, institutional, and market-related dimensions.

This paper critically examines the post-registration landscape of GIs in India, focusing on enforcement issues, awareness and capacity gaps among producer communities, marketing and branding limitations, quality control and standards, institutional bottlenecks, and inter-agency coordination. Through comparative case studies of successful and underperforming GIs across sectors and regions, the report analyses the role of legal frameworks, administrative mechanisms, and stakeholder coordination in shaping outcomes. It also draws on international best practices, particularly from the European Union, to contextualise India’s experience and propose actionable recommendations.