What is the legal position relating to geographical indications of goods in India?
Prior to the enactment of Geographical Indication of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act, 1999. There was no enactment relating to geographical indications. Prior to this enactment, a misdescription or false representation relating to a geographical indicators was considered as an act of passing off. Now after the passing of this Act, registration of a geographical indication is mandatory. Some of the most famous Indian Geographical Indicators are Darjiling Tea, Basmati Rice, Kanjeepuram sarees, etc. This legislation was also to give effect to the obligations India voluntarily assumed by becoming the member of WTO TRIPS Agreement and Paris Convention on the Protection of Industrial Property.
