ABSTRACT
The Geographical Indications Act plays an important role for both the producer and the consumer. On the one hand, it shields the genuine producers of agricultural and industrial goods from other producers who deceptively claim a place-based identity, and on the other, it protects consumers from being deceived by any good which makes a false claim about its origin. The Act is designed to break through the clutter of misleading messages about the origin of a good and connect customers with those goods which carry an authentic hallmark of Geographical Indications. The Act ensures monetary compensation against violators and imposes fines or imprisonment and thus grants and protects the rights of the authorised users of Geographical Indications. India is an agricultural country, yet the range of agricultural goods that are registered is small in terms of number, spatial spread and variety.
