September 12, 2026

Section 37 – Geographical Indications Act: Meaning of Applying Geographical Indications

The Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act, 1999 — back to Table of Contents

Section 37. Meaning of applying geographical indications

This section defines, for the offences chapter, what it means to “apply” a geographical indication to goods. It covers applying the indication to the goods themselves, to packaging in which goods are sold or held for sale or trade, or enclosing goods within packaging already bearing the indication; using the indication in a way reasonably likely to suggest the goods are described by it; and referencing it in signs, advertisements, invoices, catalogues, business correspondence, price lists, or other commercial documents where goods are then supplied on an order placed by reference to that indication.

A geographical indication is deemed applied whether it is woven into, impressed on, worked into, or affixed or annexed to the goods, packaging, or other associated things.