What Is a Geographical Indication (GI) Tag?
A Geographical Indication (GI) is a type of intellectual property that identifies a product as originating from a specific geographical area — where the quality, reputation or characteristics of the product are essentially attributable to that origin. GI tags are governed by the Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act, 1999 and administered by the GI Registry in Chennai.
The classic example: Darjeeling Tea can only be sold as 'Darjeeling Tea' if it is actually grown in the Darjeeling district of West Bengal. Similarly, Blue Pottery of Jaipur can only be sold as that if it is made in Jaipur using the traditional Mughal-derived technique.
GI-Tagged Products from Rajasthan
| Product | GI Registration | Class |
|---|---|---|
| Blue Pottery of Jaipur | Registered | Class 21 — Earthenware |
| Kota Doria Sarees | Registered | Class 25 — Clothing |
| Sanganeri Hand Block Print | Registered | Class 24 — Textiles |
| Bagru Hand Block Print | Registered | Class 24 — Textiles |
| Phad Paintings | Registered | Class 16 — Art |
| Jodhpur Mojari (Jooties) | Registered | Class 25 — Footwear |
| Bikaner Bhujia | Registered | Class 30 — Food |
| Makrana Marble | Registered | Class 19 — Building materials |
| Gota Patti of Rajasthan | Registered | Class 26 — Lace |
How GI Protection Works
Once a product is GI-tagged:
- Only producers/artisans in the specified geographical area can use the GI name on their products
- Products from outside the region cannot falsely claim to be GI-tagged
- Artisans can command premium prices for verified authentic products
- Government and courts can take action against misuse of the GI tag
GI Tag vs Trademark — Key Differences
| Feature | GI Tag | Trademark |
|---|---|---|
| Protects | Community of producers in a region | Specific business or individual |
| Ownership | Community / Association | Individual / Company |
| Transferable? | No | Yes (by assignment) |
| Can outsiders use it? | No | Not without licence |
| Registering authority | GI Registry, Chennai | Trademark Registry |
How to Apply for a GI Tag
- File an application with the Geographical Indications Registry, Chennai
- Provide documentation on the geographical area, product characteristics, production standards, and historical use
- Application is examined and published in the GI Journal for third-party objections (3-month opposition window)
- If no opposition (or opposition decided in favour), GI is registered and certificate issued
Application fee: ₹5,000 per GI application. Only an association, organisation or government authority representing producers can apply — not an individual artisan directly.
How Artisans Use the GI Tag — Authorised User Registration
Individual artisans who want to use a registered GI tag on their products must apply separately to become Authorised Users with the GI Registry. Only registered authorised users can legally display the GI tag. Rajasthan government bodies like RSIC assist artisans with this registration.
Do Artisans Also Need a Trademark?
Yes. A GI tag and a trademark serve different purposes. The GI tag protects the regional identity of the product; a trademark protects your individual brand name and logo as a business. An artisan in Jaipur making Blue Pottery should ideally have both — the GI authorisation for the traditional product AND a registered trademark for their own brand (e.g., "Ratan Blue Arts ®").