New Rules Revise Fee Structure for Geographical Indications Registration and Protection

The Ministry of Commerce and Industry, through its Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade, issued the Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) (Amendment) Rules, 2025, on November 3, 2025. These new rules amend the existing Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) Rules, 2002, which govern the registration and protection of geographical indications (GIs) in India. A geographical indication is a sign used on products that have a specific geographical origin and possess qualities or a reputation that are due to that origin, such as Darjeeling Tea or Basmati Rice. The Central Government published a draft of these amendments on August 11, 2025, inviting objections and suggestions from the public. After considering the feedback received, the Central Government proceeded to finalize and notify these rules. The amendment primarily involves the substitution of the FIRST SCHEDULE of the 2002 Rules, which details the fees payable for various applications and actions related to geographical indications and their authorized users. These rules came into force upon their publication in the Official Gazette on November 3, 2025.

The revised schedule introduces a comprehensive update to the fee structure for processes such as applying for GI registration, filing opposition to a GI, registering or renewing an authorized user, and various administrative actions like altering addresses or correcting errors in the register. For instance, the fee for an application for the registration of a geographical indication for goods included in one class is now specified as 1000 rupees, while an application for additional protection to certain goods carries a fee of 12000 rupees. The rules also specify fees for applications related to geographical indication agents, including their registration and continuance in the register. The legislation provided: “In the Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) Rules, 2002, for the FIRST SCHEDULE, the following Schedule shall be substituted, namely:” This substitution directly impacts all individuals, organizations, and entities involved in seeking, maintaining, or challenging geographical indication registrations and authorized user statuses under the Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act, 1999.

The legislative intent behind the Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) (Amendment) Rules, 2025, was to update and rationalize the financial framework governing the registration and protection of geographical indications. The previous rules, originally published in 2002 and last amended in 2020, necessitated a review of the fee structure to align with current administrative costs and policy objectives. By replacing the entire FIRST SCHEDULE, the Central Government aimed to address any statutory gaps or limitations in the earlier fee provisions, ensuring clarity and consistency in the amounts payable for various services. This amendment does not introduce new rights or obligations but rather modifies the financial requirements associated with existing procedures. The public consultation process prior to the notification of these rules underscores a policy rationale of transparency and stakeholder engagement in refining the regulatory environment for intellectual property rights. The updated fee schedule provides a clear and current reference for all applicants and practitioners, thereby streamlining the enforcement mechanisms related to the financial aspects of GI administration.

Keywords: Geographical Indications, GI, India, Intellectual Property, IPR, Registration, Protection, Fees, Rules, Amendment, Commerce, Industry Geo Tags: India District: Not Applicable