Section 11 of GIG Act, 1999 : Section 11: Application For Registration

Explanation using Example

Imagine a group of farmers in Darjeeling, India, who produce the distinctive Darjeeling tea, known for its unique aroma and taste that comes from the specific climatic conditions and soil of the Darjeeling region. They form an association to protect the uniqueness of their tea and prevent misuse of the "Darjeeling" name by producers from other regions.

The association decides to apply for a geographical indication (GI) to officially recognize that Darjeeling tea originates from Darjeeling and possesses qualities exclusive to that region. They fill out the required application form and submit it to the Registrar of Geographical Indications, along with a detailed description of how the tea's qualities are due to Darjeeling's geography, a map of the region, and a list of initial producers who would be authorized to use the GI once registered.

They also include the specific class of goods for registration—tea—and pay the prescribed fee for each class of goods they are applying for. The application is filed at the Geographical Indications Registry office that covers the Darjeeling region. The Registrar will then examine the application and decide whether to accept it, refuse it, or accept it with conditions.