Section 30 of GIG Act, 1999 : Section 30: Adaptation Of Entries In Register To Amend Or Substitute Classification Of Goods

Explanation using Example

Imagine a local community in India has a geographical indication (GI) registered for "Darjeeling Tea," recognized for tea grown in the Darjeeling region. The GI registration specifies that it applies to tea leaves only. After some years, the community wishes to expand the GI to include "Darjeeling Tea-flavored biscuits." However, Section 30 of the Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act, 1999, generally prohibits adding new goods to a registered GI.

In this scenario, the Registrar would not normally allow the addition of biscuits to the "Darjeeling Tea" GI registration. But if the Registrar finds that adding "Darjeeling Tea-flavored biscuits" would not significantly impact the market for the tea leaves and would not prejudice the rights of any person, an exception might be made. The proposal to amend the register would need to be communicated to the current registered proprietor and all authorized users, and it would be advertised to allow for any opposition by aggrieved parties.