Geographical Indications (GS)

At Xpress Consultancy, we assist clients in understanding and navigating the comprehensive process of GI registration under the Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act, 1999. Our consultancy includes preparing documentation, drafting and filing GI applications, representing clients before the GI Registry in Chennai, and coordinating with governmental and semi-governmental organizations that work in rural development, handicrafts, agriculture, and tribal welfare. We provide services to producer groups, registered societies, NGOs, self-help groups, and state agencies that seek to register GIs in order to preserve and promote local crafts and agricultural heritage.

The GI registration process begins with establishing a strong claim to the product’s linkage with the region and demonstrating its uniqueness. We assist our clients in preparing the Statement of Case, which includes the historical origin of the product, traditional knowledge or techniques involved, geographical boundaries, production practices, physical and chemical characteristics, proof of reputation, and evidence of usage over time. Our legal and research teams work closely with producers and local stakeholders to gather supporting documents, photographs, maps, testimonials, and reports—ensuring that the application is accurate, comprehensive, and capable of withstanding scrutiny by the authorities.

Once the application is submitted, it goes through a thorough examination process. If accepted, it is published in the GI Journal, and a window for opposition is provided. We represent our clients throughout this phase, handling objections, if any, and responding to clarifications sought by the Registrar. After successful registration, the client is granted exclusive rights over the use of the GI tag for the goods produced in the defined territory and using the traditional method. This allows genuine producers to benefit from brand protection and prevents unauthorized or deceptive use of the name or label.
However, our services at Xpress Consultancy do not stop at registration. We also help clients in Post-GI strategies, including enforcement of rights, capacity building, labeling compliance, and international protection. GI protection is only valuable when it is implemented on the ground through proper use of certification marks, quality control, and consistent production practices. We advise producer groups and associations on managing the use of GI, setting up inspection bodies, educating stakeholders about their rights, and developing branding and packaging standards. We also work with marketing professionals and e-commerce platforms to develop go-to-market strategies that highlight the authenticity and uniqueness of GI-tagged products.

One of the most crucial aspects of our GI consultancy is Enforcement and Legal Protection. Many registered GIs face misuse or imitation in domestic and international markets. We provide legal support to take action against counterfeiters, misuse of labels, or deceptive marketing. Whether through cease and desist notices, litigation in civil courts, or complaints before IP enforcement bodies, we ensure that our clients’ rights are upheld and that the GI ecosystem remains credible and trustworthy. Our team also conducts awareness programs and legal literacy workshops for producers, artisans, farmers, and local cooperatives to help them understand how to enforce and benefit from their GI rights.

Internationally, we assist clients in global protection of Indian GIs through reciprocal arrangements and international treaties such as the TRIPS Agreement (Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights) under the WTO framework. We advise on protection through foreign filings, participation in international expos, branding for exports, and leveraging India’s bilateral trade agreements. For clients looking to export GI products or gain international certification, we help identify the legal mechanisms available in the target country, ensuring the product’s distinct identity is protected abroad.

Our consultancy also recognizes the socio-economic importance of GI registration. For many rural and artisanal communities, GIs offer a way to protect their identity, preserve traditional practices, generate employment, and earn better remuneration for their skills and resources. By securing GI tags, we help these communities gain not just market visibility but also cultural respect and institutional recognition. In this regard, Xpress Consultancy works closely with NGOs, government missions, rural development programs, and CSR initiatives to make GI more accessible and impactful at the grassroots level.

Our clients include state government departments, handloom development boards, farmer producer organizations (FPOs), tribal cooperatives, and private firms who wish to register, commercialize, or defend GI products. We provide customized solutions for each type of client—whether it is a remote farming village growing a specialty rice variety or a fashion house sourcing handwoven textiles with GI tags.
We also help with renewals, rectifications, authorized user registrations, and licensing under the GI regime. Once a GI is registered, it is valid for ten years and can be renewed indefinitely. We guide clients through the maintenance of rights, updating product standards, adding new producer groups, and filing for international extensions or recognition in relevant jurisdictions.
The success of a GI depends not just on legal rights but on collective participation, structured governance, market integration, and awareness. At Xpress Consultancy, our mission is to make GI work not just as an intellectual property tool but as a transformative development strategy. Through a blend of legal precision, strategic planning, grassroots collaboration, and policy expertise, we offer full-spectrum GI consultancy that protects heritage while unlocking its market potential.