Rules 26-28 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.
Rules 26 to 28 govern the picture side of a GI application: the representation printed on the form, the additional representations sent with it, the extra copies for colour claims and shapes, and the standard those representations must meet. They sit on top of the condition in rule 23(6) that a graphical representation must stand in place of the indication without supporting samples.
Every application carries a representation in the space on the form, not exceeding 33 centimetres by 20 centimetres with a 4 cm left margin (rule 26). It must also be accompanied by five additional representations, which must correspond exactly with the one on the form (rule 27(1)). Colour claims need three black and white and five colour reproductions; shapes need at least three views and a description. All representations must be durable, mounted on strong paper and acceptable to the Registrar (rule 28).
Rule 26: the representation on the form
A geographical indication registration file should have its representation settled before anything else is printed.
Rule 26 says every application for registration of a geographical indication, and every additional copy of the application where additional copies are required, "shall contain a representation of the geographical indication in the space provided on the application form for that purpose". The size of the representation "shall not exceed 33 centimetres by 20 centimetres with a margin of 4 cm. on the left hand side".
The 33 by 20 centimetre size matches the paper size for documents in rule 12(1), covered in our article on forms and size of documents. "Graphical representation" is defined in rule 2(1)(l) as the representation of the indication in paper form. The representation can be words, figurative elements or both; rule 32(1)(4) asks the applicant to say which, as explained in our article on content of application.
Rule 27(1): five additional representations
Rule 27(1) says every application "shall, except as hereinafter provided, be made in triplicate and shall be accompanied by five additional representations of the geographical indication". Three requirements follow.
- Exact correspondence. The representation on the application and each of its copies and the additional representations must correspond exactly with one another.
- Particulars on each. The additional representations must in all cases carry the specification and class of goods, the name and address of the applicant, the name and address of the agent, if any, the period of use, and other particulars required under rule 32(1) by the Registrar.
- Signature. They must be signed by the applicant or agent.
The Form GI-1 heading carries the same instruction: one representation is fixed within the space on the form and five others are sent separately. The Registrar returns one of the additional representations, with the official number entered, as the acknowledgement of receipt under rule 32(2).
The GI Registry's Manual of Practice and Procedure (2011) says that, because the application forms are digitised by the Registry, two additional representations are sufficient instead of five. The manual is guidance without the force of law and is older than both sets of amendment rules, while the Rules themselves say five. A prudent applicant should send five unless the Registry has told it in writing that fewer will do.
Rule 27(2): colour combinations
Where an application states that the applicant wishes to claim a combination of colours as a distinctive feature of the indication, it must be accompanied by:
- three reproductions of the indication in black and white; and
- five reproductions in colour.
This connects with rule 23(6)(e), which says a colour combination claim is not acted upon unless the application contains a statement to that effect and specifies the colours. See our article on Form GI-1.
Rule 27(3): shape of goods or packaging
Where the application consists of the shape of goods or its packaging:
- the reproduction furnished must consist of at least three different views of the indication and a description of it by words; and
- if the Registrar considers the views and description still do not sufficiently show the particulars of the shape of the goods or packaging, he may call upon the applicant to furnish a specimen of the goods or packaging, as sold in respect of the indication.
| Type of claim | Reproductions required | Rule |
|---|---|---|
| Ordinary representation | One on the form and five additional representations | 26 and 27(1) |
| Colour combination | Three in black and white and five in colour | 27(2) |
| Shape of goods or packaging | At least three different views and a word description; specimen if the Registrar calls for it | 27(3) |
Rule 28(1): durable and properly mounted
Rule 28(1) says all representations of a geographical indication "shall be of a durable nature", and each additional representation required to be filed with an application "shall be mounted on a sheet of strong paper of the size of approx. 33 cm by 20 cm leaving a margin of not less than 4 centimetres on the left hand part of the sheet". A flimsy printout or a representation glued without a margin does not meet the rule.
Rule 28(2): the Registrar may require a better one
Rule 28(2) lets the Registrar, if he is not satisfied with any representation, require "another representation satisfactory to him to be substituted before proceeding with the application" at any time. The application therefore does not move forward until a satisfactory representation is on file. Replacement of the representation is allowed here, even though rule 36 restricts amendments that would substantially alter the application by changing the indication; our later article on correction and amendment of applications explains rule 36.
The Act link
These rules implement the application provisions of the Act, which are covered in our article on section 11 of the GI Act.
A worked example
Banaras Silk Weavers' Cooperative, an invented body, applies using a logo made of the name and a motif in red and gold. It claims the colour combination and says so in the application, specifying the colours. It files the representation within the space on the form (within 33 by 20 centimetres), five additional colour representations and three black and white ones, each mounted on strong paper with a 4 cm left margin and carrying the specification, class, applicant's details, period of use and signature. If the Registrar is not satisfied with the print quality, rule 28(2) lets him require a better representation before proceeding. All names are invented.
Need help preparing the representation?
A representation that is not durable, not mounted properly or inconsistent between copies can stall a GI file at the outset. Our team can check the set before filing; see our GI registration service.
Key takeaways
- The representation goes in the space on the form, within 33 by 20 centimetres with a 4 cm left margin (rule 26).
- Five additional representations must accompany the application and correspond exactly to the one on the form (rule 27(1)).
- A colour claim needs three black and white and five colour reproductions (rule 27(2)).
- A shape or packaging claim needs at least three views and a description, and possibly a specimen (rule 27(3)).
- Representations must be durable and mounted on strong paper with a margin of not less than 4 centimetres; the Registrar may require a better one (rule 28).
- Check for amendments after 3 November 2025.
Read next
- Rules 29-31: transliteration, name of goods and deficiencies
- Rules 24-25: Convention application and statement of user
- Rule 23: Form GI-1
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.