Geographical Indications – Protecting India’s Heritage

Geographical Indications (GIs) play an important role in protecting India’s cultural heritage, traditional knowledge, and region-specific products. This article examines the legal framework governing GIs in India under the Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act, 1999, and highlights their economic and cultural significance. It discusses how GI protection supports local producers, prevents misuse and misappropriation of traditional products, and contributes to the preservation of indigenous craftsmanship and rural economies. The article also identifies challenges such as limited awareness, procedural difficulties, and weak enforcement, emphasizing that effective GI protection requires collective efforts beyond mere registration.