The Geographical Indication of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act, 1999 was brought into force on September 15, 2003. It provides for, inter alia:
Establishment of a Geographical Indications Registry.
Registration of geographical indications of goods in specified classes.
Registration of authorised users of registered geographical indications and right to initiate infringement action either by a registered proprietor or an authorised user.
Prohibition of registration of geographical indications as trademarks.
Prohibition of assignment of geographical indications.
Maintenance of the Register of geographical indications in two parts – Part A, containing all registered geographical indications and Part B, containing particulars of registered users.
