Geographical Indications of Goods Act, 1999

Comprehensive Course on Geographical Indications (GI)

Course Overview

The Course on Geographical Indications (GI) is a comprehensive academic and professional training program designed to provide in-depth understanding of the legal, economic, cultural, and policy dimensions of Geographical Indications. The course examines GI as a unique intellectual property right that connects products to their geographical origin, traditional knowledge systems, community identity, and sustainable development.

The program covers the conceptual foundations of GI, the international legal framework under the World Trade Organization and the TRIPS Agreement, the role of the World Intellectual Property Organization, and comparative protection models including the European Union system. It also provides detailed analysis of the Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act, 1999, including procedures for registration, authorized user rights, enforcement mechanisms, and remedies for infringement.

Beyond doctrinal law, the course critically explores GI’s role in rural development, agricultural sustainability, biodiversity conservation, indigenous knowledge protection, women-led enterprises, and global trade negotiations. Participants will gain practical exposure to GI registration documentation, product specification drafting, community mobilization strategies, branding and marketing of GI products, and post-registration governance challenges.

This course is designed for law students, researchers, policymakers, artisans’ associations, agricultural producers, entrepreneurs, IP professionals, and government officials seeking specialized knowledge in GI protection and promotion. Through lectures, case studies, field-based learning (where applicable), and policy analysis, participants will develop the capacity to engage with GI from both legal and socio-economic perspectives.

Upon completion, participants will be equipped to:

1. Understand and interpret national and international GI frameworks
2. Assist in GI registration and compliance processes
3. Analyze policy issues related to traditional knowledge and rural economy
4. Conduct empirical research on GI impact
5. Contribute to sustainable and community-driven intellectual property governance

The course ultimately positions Geographical Indications not merely as an intellectual property tool, but as an instrument of cultural preservation, economic empowerment, and identity-based development in a globalized marketplace.