A 'geographical indication' includes agricultural goods, natural goods or manufactured goods that have originated or been manufactured in the territory of a particular country, region or locality, and have a quality, reputation or other characteristic essentially attributable to its geographical origin. Examples include Darjeeling Tea, Chanderi sarees, Mysore Agarbathi, etc.

Geographical Indications (GIs) are somewhat similar to trademarks, except that these are owned by an association of traders and not by a single trader, applicable only to goods and not services, and have no global system of registration. In India, GIs are governed by the Geographical Indications of Goods Act of 1999. India is also a party to TRIPS and the Paris Convention (1883), which govern GIs. The initial term of protection of a GI in India is 10 years, which is further renewable every 10 years.

An application is made by an association of producers at the appropriate GI office. On receipt, the Examiner will scrutinize the application for any deficiency. Thereafter an Examination Report is issued. If the Examination Report cites any objection, the association may reply to it or request a hearing. Once the objection is resolved, the GI will proceed to publication in the GI journal to give the public a chance for opposition. If there is no opposition (or all oppositions are successfully resolved) the GI will proceed for registration.