Rules 70 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.
Rule 70 deals with applications to correct or change the register under section 28 of the Act. Rule 71 deals with the registered proprietor's application under section 29 for leave to add to or alter the registered geographical indication itself. The first is about the record; the second is about the indication. Producer groups often check the choice of form with a geographical indication registration adviser before filing, since a wrong form costs time.
A section 28 application (correction, change, cancellation, striking out of goods, or a memorandum) is made on Form GI-5 as appropriate, and the Registrar may call for evidence by affidavit or otherwise. A copy goes to the authorised users or a public notice is issued in two local newspapers. A section 29 application to add to or alter the registered indication is made in writing on Form GI-9 with five copies of the indication as altered, with service on every authorised user on record or public notice.
Rule 70: applications under section 28
Section 28 allows the register to be corrected or changed. We explain it in our article on sections 28 to 30 of the GI Act. Rule 70 applies "where an application has been made under sub-section (1) of section 28 for the alteration of the register by correction, change, cancellation or striking out of goods or for the entry of a memorandum in the register".
Three things follow from the text.
Evidence. The Registrar "may require the applicant to furnish such evidence by affidavit or otherwise as the Registrar may think fit, as to the circumstances in which the application is made". It is discretionary and not limited to affidavits.
Form. "Such application shall be made on Form GI-5 as may be appropriate." Form GI-5 has several parts, and the First Schedule as substituted in November 2025 links each to an entry:
| Purpose | Form GI-5 part and section | Entry and amount (First Schedule, November 2025) |
|---|---|---|
| Change of address | Part A, section 28, rule 69 | 5A, Rs. 300 (GI application) / Rs. 30 (authorised user application) |
| Change of name or description of proprietor | Part B, section 28(b) | 5B, Rs. 300 |
| Correction of error in name, address or description of proprietor or authorised user | Part C, section 28(a) | 5C, Rs. 300 (GI application) / Rs. 30 (authorised user application) |
| Cancellation of an entry or striking out of goods, by the registered proprietor | Form GI-10, Part A, section 28(c) or (d) | 10A, Rs. 300 |
Service. "A copy thereof" must be "served by the applicant on the authorised user or users, if any or issue a public notice in at least two leading local newspapers under the registration of the geographical indication in question and to any other person who appears from the register to have an interest in the geographical indication and inform the Registrar he has done so." The sentence is awkwardly drafted. Read it as requiring service on the authorised users and any other person shown in the register as interested, or a public notice in at least two leading local newspapers, with the Registrar told.
A flag on the forms
Rule 70 names Form GI-5 only. But cancellation of an entry or striking out of goods under section 28(c) or (d) is provided for in Form GI-10, Part A (entry 10A), which is a different form. A proprietor wishing to cancel the entry should look at Form GI-10 Part A as well. In addition, the printed text of Form GI-5 Part C repeats words about a change of address that belong to Part A, so the form text should be read with care and the heading used to tell which part applies.
Rule 71: alteration of the registered geographical indication
Section 29 permits the registered proprietor to apply for leave to add to or alter the registered indication, within limits the Act sets. Rule 71 gives the procedure: the proprietor "shall make the application in writing on Form GI-9 and shall furnish five copies of the geographical indication as it will appear when so added to or altered".
Form GI-9 Part B, "application by registered proprietor under section 29 for an addition or alteration of a registered geographical indication", is entry 9B of the First Schedule. The amount is Rs. 300, as per the First Schedule as substituted in November 2025. The entry applies except where the application is made by or on behalf of a public authority or in consequence of a statutory requirement.
The service rule is similar to rule 70: "A copy of the application and of the geographical indication so amended or altered shall be served by the applicant on every authorised users on the record or issue a public notice in at least two leading local newspapers and inform the Registrar he has done so." Form GI-9 Part B adds a line about publication in two leading newspapers circulated in the area, with a copy enclosed.
The proprietor alone applies. Authorised users do not apply; they are served.
What happens next
Rule 71 ends with service. The advertisement, opposition and decision are in rules 72 and 73; see our article on advertisement, opposition and decision on alteration. In short, the Registrar advertises the application in the Journal before deciding it, and anyone can oppose within the time in rule 72.
Practical differences between rule 70 and rule 71
| Point | Rule 70 | Rule 71 |
|---|---|---|
| Section | 28 | 29 |
| Subject | The register entry (details, error, cancellation, striking out goods, memorandum) | The registered indication itself (addition or alteration) |
| Who applies | Applicant under section 28 | Registered proprietor |
| Form | Form GI-5 as appropriate (and Form GI-10 for cancellation or striking out) | Form GI-9 |
| Evidence | Registrar may require affidavit or other evidence | Five copies of the altered indication |
| Service | Authorised users and interested persons, or public notice | Every authorised user on the record, or public notice |
An example
Rajmahal Silk Weavers Union, registered proprietor of a geographical indication for a silk fabric, finds that the register spells the Union's name wrongly. It files Form GI-5 Part C with the entry 5C amount for a GI application, and serves the authorised users. Separately, the Union wants to add a line to the registered description to show a new village within the production area. That is a change to the indication, so it files Form GI-9 Part B with five copies of the indication as altered and publishes the notice in two local newspapers, informing the Registrar.
Limits and silences
- The rules do not say how long the Registrar will take to decide.
- They do not say what the Registrar may require beyond "evidence by affidavit or otherwise".
- They do not say what a "memorandum" must contain.
Amendments made after November 2025 should be checked before acting.
Need help with a register change?
Choosing between Form GI-5, Form GI-9 and Form GI-10 depends on what exactly is being changed. Our geographical indication registration team can identify the right form and entry, prepare it and handle the service on authorised users.
Key takeaways
- Rule 70 covers section 28 applications on Form GI-5 as appropriate; the Registrar may ask for affidavit evidence.
- The applicant serves authorised users and interested persons, or publishes in two local newspapers and informs the Registrar.
- Cancellation or striking out of goods is in Form GI-10 Part A (entry 10A).
- Rule 71 covers a section 29 application on Form GI-9 by the registered proprietor, with five copies of the altered indication.
- Entry 9B is Rs. 300 as per the First Schedule as substituted in November 2025.
- Advertisement and opposition follow under rules 72 and 73.
Read next
- Rule 69: alteration of address in the register
- Rules 72 and 73: advertisement, opposition and decision on alteration
- Sections 28 to 30 of the GI Act: correction of register and alteration
- Section 7 of the GI Act: Part A and Part B of the register
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.