Draft a geographical indication explained: this guide covers what it means, who it applies to, the step-by-step process, documents required, fees, due dates and penalties in India — so you can stay compliant with confidence and avoid costly mistakes.
The statement of case is the document on which a geographical indication application stands or falls. Rule 32(1) of the Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) Rules, 2002 says what every application must contain. The GI Registry's Manual of Practice and Procedure (2011) explains how to arrange that material in seven heads. This guide ties each requirement to its rule and marks what comes only from the manual, which is guidance without the force of law.
The binding list is rule 32(1): a statement of how the indication designates the goods as originating from the territory, the class, a map, the appearance of the indication, producers' particulars, and the further items in rule 32(1)(6)(a) to (h), including standards, an inspection structure and, for a homonymous indication, the factors that differentiate it. The Registry's manual suggests seven heads for the statement of case document. The manual is older than both amendments and has no force of law; where it differs from the rules, the rules govern.
Two sources, kept apart
The rules. Rule 23(1) requires the application in the prescribed form, signed by the applicant or agent, "in triplicate alongwith three copies of a Statement of Case". Rule 32(1) lists the contents. Our articles on rule 23 and rule 32 explain them, and the Act's requirement is in our article on section 11 of the GI Act.
The manual. The GI Registry's Manual of Practice and Procedure (2011) says in its own preface that it is a practical guide that does not have the force and effect of law. It predates the 2020 and 2025 amendments. Everything attributed to it below is guidance. We take no fee from it: the fee for the application is entry 1A of the First Schedule as substituted in November 2025, Rs. 1,000, and the affidavit entry 7B is Nil.
A geographical indication registration adviser can review a draft against both before filing.
Step 1: what rule 32(1) requires
Every application "shall be made in the prescribed forms and shall contain" the following (the numbering is as printed):
| Item | Rule 32(1) requirement |
|---|---|
| (1) | A statement of how the indication designates the goods as originating from the territory, region or locality, in respect of specific quality, reputation or other characteristics due exclusively or essentially to the geographical environment, with its inherent natural and human factors, and the production, processing or preparation of which takes place there |
| (2) | The class of goods |
| (3) | The geographical map of the territory, region or locality where the goods are produced, originate or are manufactured |
| (4) | Particulars of the appearance of the indication: words, figurative elements or both |
| (5) | A statement of the producers proposed to be initially registered, which may include a collective reference to all producers (see section 11(2)(f)) |
| (6) | The statement shall also include items (a) to (h) below |
The sub-items of (6):
- (a) an affidavit as to how the applicant claims to represent the interest of the association of persons or producers or any organisation or authority established by or under law;
- (b) the standards benchmark for use of the indication, or the industry standard for production, with a detailed description of the human creativity involved, if any;
- (c) particulars of the mechanism that ensures the standards, quality, integrity and consistency are maintained by producers;
- (d) three certified copies of the map, showing title, name of publisher and date of issue;
- (e) particulars of special human skill or the uniqueness of the geographical environment or other inherent characteristics;
- (f) the full name and address of the association, organisation or authority representing the producers;
- (g) particulars of the inspection structure, if any, to regulate use of the indication; and
- (h) for a homonymous indication, the material factors differentiating it from the registered indication and the protective measures adopted so consumers are not confused or misled.
A drafting note: rule 32 is printed as "32(1) Content of application" with the items numbered (1) to (6) inside it, and "(2) Acknowledgement of receipt of applications". Cite the items as rule 32(1)(1), 32(1)(6)(b) and so on.
Step 2: arrange the statement in seven heads (manual guidance)
The manual, in paragraph 03.08.01, says a document called the "statement of case" (in triplicate) is annexed to the other documents, and should contain seven parts:
| Manual head | What the manual says | Closest rule 32(1) item |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Specification | A brief statement of special characteristics and quality parameters, about 50 to 100 words | (1), (2) |
| 2. Description of goods, uniqueness and geographical linkage | Special characteristics, linkage to the location, human creativity, soil, water, climate; also the standard benchmark set by producers | (1), (6)(b), (6)(e) |
| 3. Method of production | The process, raw materials, tools, special packaging | (6)(b), (6)(e) |
| 4. Uniqueness of the product | Comparison with similar products, in not more than 100 words | (6)(e) |
| 5. Proof of origin | Historic documentary proof such as gazetteers, published documents, news articles, advertisements | (1) |
| 6. Inspection body | Details of the body that monitors quality, integrity, consistency and genuine use | (6)(c), (6)(g) |
| 7. Present scenario | Present market, exports, turnover and development and promotion activities | Not a listed item |
The word counts (50 to 100 and 100) and head 7 are the manual's suggestions; the rule does not contain them. Head 7 in particular is not a listed requirement of rule 32(1), though it can support the application.
Step 3: supporting papers listed in the manual
Paragraph 03.08 of the manual lists what the application should contain besides the form. Read each with the rule.
- The application form (model in the Annexure), with the specification, description, proof of origin, method of production, uniqueness and inspection body, as required under rule 32, which "may be made as statement of case".
- Three copies of the map showing title, publisher and date of issue, certified by a competent authority (rule 32(1)(6)(d)).
- A list of members of the association of producers. The manual says it may list the producers who initially propose to get the indication registered and need not be exhaustive (compare rule 32(1)(5)).
- Additional representations. The manual says that because the Registry digitised its forms, "only two additional representations are sufficient, instead of five". Rule 27(1) requires five and has not been amended. This is a conflict between the manual and the rule; as a rule of law, the rule governs, so check with the Registry before filing fewer.
- The affidavit under rule 32(6)(a). The manual says no affidavit is required if the applicant is an association of producers of goods. Rule 32(1)(6)(a) states the affidavit as part of the statement; treat the manual's remark as the Registry's 2011 practice, not as a change in the rule.
- Registration certificate and bye-laws of the association, with an English translation if in another language. The manual advises a bye-law clause for removal of members who do not conform to the production standards, so that quality stays consistent.
- For convention applications, the certificate from the competent authority, which may be filed within two months of filing. This matches rule 24(2).
Step 4: homonymous indications
Where the indication is homonymous with an already registered one, rule 32(1)(6)(h) requires the material factors that differentiate it and the protective measures adopted. The manual (paragraph 03.08.02) repeats this. Our article on section 10 of the GI Act explains the section.
Step 5: check the model form
The Annexure of the manual contains a model Form GI-1, with fields for the name and address of the applicant, the name of the indication (with logo if any), the type of goods, class, specification, description, proof of origin (annexed as statement of case), method of production, uniqueness, inspection body and other particulars, followed by the claim to represent the interest of the producers and the continuous use "since ___". Convention applications add the country of origin and evidence of protection there. The model's printed fee is the manual's 2011 amount and is not to be used.
An example
The Dhanakpur Ghee Producers' Society wants registration for a clarified butter made in six villages. Its drafter lists the class, attaches three certified copies of the map of the six villages, describes the feeding and churning methods, names the standard benchmark and the inspection committee, and annexes gazetteer extracts and old newspaper advertisements as proof of origin. As another registered indication has a similar name in another state, the statement adds a section on the differences and on labelling measures. The Society files in triplicate with three copies of the statement, and pays entry 1A as per the First Schedule as substituted in November 2025.
Common gaps
- No standard benchmark in rule 32(1)(6)(b) terms.
- No mechanism or inspection structure in (6)(c) and (6)(g).
- Map not certified or without publisher and date.
- Producers' particulars missing for the initial group.
- No homonymous section where a similar indication is on the register.
Deficiencies may be notified under rule 31, with one month to remedy; see our companion guide on documents and preliminary examination and on time limits at every stage.
Amendments made after November 2025 should be checked before acting.
Need help with your statement of case?
A statement of case written to rule 32(1) and organised in the manual's seven heads is easier to examine. Our geographical indication registration team can help gather the evidence, draft each head and prepare the application.
Key takeaways
- The binding contents are in rule 32(1); the manual's seven heads are guidance only.
- Rule 23(1) needs the application in triplicate with three copies of the statement of case.
- Standards, a quality-control mechanism, an inspection structure and certified maps are part of rule 32(1)(6).
- Homonymous indications need a section on differentiating factors and protective measures.
- The manual's two-representation remark conflicts with rule 27(1), which says five.
- Fees: entry 1A and entry 7B of the First Schedule as substituted in November 2025.
Read next
- Rule 32: content of application, statement of case and acknowledgement
- Rule 23: form and signing of application in Form GI-1
- Documents required for a GI application and preliminary examination
- Who can apply for GI registration
Disclaimer: Based on the Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) Rules, 2002 as notified on 8 March 2002 and as amended by the Amendment Rules of 2020 (G.S.R. 528(E)) and 2025 (G.S.R. 812(E)), as consulted on 2 October 2026. Later amendment rules, forms and fees should be checked in their current form. This article is general information, not legal advice; check the official text before acting.