September 13, 2026

Section 39 – Geographical Indications Act: Penalty for Applying False Geographical Indications

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

Section 39. Penalty for applying false geographical indications

Falsifying a geographical indication, falsely applying one to goods, making or possessing instruments for falsifying one, giving goods a false origin indication where section 71 requires a true one, tampering with a required origin indication, or causing any of these acts, is punishable — unless the accused proves absence of intent to defraud — with imprisonment of six months to three years and a fine of fifty thousand to two lakh rupees.

Courts may, for adequate and special reasons recorded in the judgment, impose a lesser sentence or fine than these minimums.