Bridging Legal Frameworks And Grassroots Realities: A Critical Appraisal Of India’s Geographical Indications Scheme

Abstract

The concept of Geographical Indications (GIs) has emerged as a significant form of intellectual property, offering unique branding and legal protection to products intrinsically linked to specific geographic origins. Rooted in international frameworks such as the TRIPS Agreement and the Paris Convention, GIs encapsulate cultural heritage, traditional knowledge, and regional identity. The Indian Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act, 1999, aims to promote rural development and economic empowerment by safeguarding the identity of goods like Darjeeling Tea or Banarasi Sarees. Despite registering over 400 GIs, disparities persist among Indian states, with many lagging in registrations due to administrative bottlenecks, legal ambiguities, financial constraints, and low public awareness. This paper critically analyses India’s GI scheme, highlighting the legal framework, socio-economic implications, and structural challenges. It proposes reforms such as expediting registration processes, enhancing financial and legal support for artisans, regional decentralisation, and integration with tourism and digital marketing. These strategies aim to strengthen GI implementation and ensure equitable benefit-sharing. The GI framework, if inclusively and effectively enforced, can become a catalyst for local innovation, rural upliftment, and global brand recognition of India’s rich traditional products.