Darjeeling Tea, Mysore Silk, Tirupathi Laddu — India has hundreds of registered geographical indications, but too many competing logos left consumers confused. A single tri-colour GI logo and tagline aim to fix that. Here’s who can use them.
What a GI is
A geographical indication (GI) is a sign identifying a product as originating from a particular place, which gives it a special quality or reputation — Darjeeling Tea, Mysore Silk, Nagpur Orange, Tirupathi Laddu, Feni, Banaras Brocades. They’re protected under the Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act, 1999.
The common logo and tagline
To end confusion from multiple GI logos, the DPIIT ran a public contest and, on 1 August 2018, selected a common GI logo and tagline — “Invaluable Treasure of Incredible India.” On 24 June 2019, DPIIT issued a public notice with draft guidelines for stakeholder comment.
The logo resembles a location symbol, carries the acronym “GI” and the tri-colour of the national flag, and acts as a certifying mark for all Indian registered GI products across categories — helping producers show authenticity and helping consumers with branding and marketing.
What is not allowed
Under the draft guidelines:
- users cannot deviate from the logo/tagline’s terms and conditions;
- foreign GI products cannot use the logo/tagline (whether or not registered in India);
- it cannot be used for illegal purposes, against public interest, or in a derogatory way;
- the logo cannot be distorted in proportion, colour, etc.
Ownership and disclaimers
- The logo/tagline may be used only for registered Indian GI products, with no fee; ownership vests with DPIIT, which reserves the right to withdraw permission without notice and to change the design.
- DPIIT is not responsible for product authenticity and bears no financial liability for usage or unauthorised use — though it can act against unauthorised use.
Who needs permission — and who doesn’t
No prior permission needed:
- Indian Government establishments and offices;
- Indian embassies/missions abroad (events, brochures, publicity, advertisements);
- registered proprietors and authorised users of Indian registered GIs.
Prior DPIIT permission required:
- all Central Government Ministries, PSUs, State departments and private bodies;
- retailers, wholesalers and publishers of articles/blogs (newspapers, magazines, internet).
For electronic-media programmes, requests must reach DPIIT at least 30 days in advance, and are approved on merit by the Joint Secretary; DPIIT can seek further details, and the guidelines provide an application format.
The takeaways
- One logo, one tagline — a single certifying mark for all Indian registered GIs, to cut consumer confusion.
- Free to registered proprietors and authorised users — no fee, no prior permission.
- Others need DPIIT approval — ministries, PSUs, private bodies, retailers and publishers.
- Foreign GIs are excluded, and the logo must never be distorted or misused.
Frequently asked questions
Who can use India’s common GI logo without permission? Indian Government offices, Indian embassies/missions abroad, and the registered proprietors and authorised users of Indian registered GIs.
Who must seek DPIIT permission to use the GI logo? Central Ministries, PSUs, State departments, private bodies, and retailers, wholesalers and publishers.
Can foreign GI products use the Indian GI logo? No — the logo and tagline are only for Indian registered GI products, whether or not the foreign GI is registered in India.
Is there a fee to use the GI logo? No fee — but use is restricted to registered Indian GI products, and ownership of the logo and tagline vests with DPIIT.
Useful official resources
- The Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act, 1999
- Geographical Indications Registry — IP India