The Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act, 1999 — back to Table of Contents
Section 18. Duration, renewal, removal and restoration of registration
Registration of a geographical indication lasts ten years, renewable indefinitely in further ten-year terms. Registration of an authorised user also lasts ten years, or until the underlying geographical indication’s registration expires, whichever comes first. Renewal is granted by the Registrar on application, within the prescribed period, and on payment of the prescribed fee.
Before expiry, the Registrar sends notice of the impending expiration and the conditions for renewal. If those conditions are not met, the Registrar may remove the indication or authorised user from the register — but not if a late application with the prescribed fee and surcharge is filed within six months of expiry, in which case renewal must be granted.
Where removal has occurred for non-payment of fees, restoration remains possible: on an application made between six months and one year after expiry, accompanied by the prescribed fee, the Registrar may restore the indication or authorised user to the register and renew it for a further ten years, if satisfied it is just to do so.
