Sections 28 to 30 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.
After registration, entries sometimes need to change. Section 28 lets the registered proprietor or an authorised user ask the Registrar to correct errors, record changes of name or address, cancel the entry, or strike out goods. Section 29 lets the proprietor seek leave to alter the indication itself, but only in a way "not substantially affecting the identity thereof". Section 30 stops the Registrar from using a change of classification to add goods or to antedate a registration, subject to a proviso. If you need to change something on a registered entry, a geographical indication registration specialist can map the right route.
Section 28: on application by the registered proprietor or authorised user, the Registrar may correct errors, enter changes in name, address or description, cancel the entry or strike out goods or classes, and amend the certificate. Section 29: the registered proprietor may apply for leave to add to or alter the indication in a way not substantially affecting its identity; the Registrar may refuse or grant on terms, may advertise the application, and must advertise the altered indication. Section 30: the Registrar shall not make an amendment that would add goods or classes or antedate registration, unless the proviso applies; any such proposal is advertised and may be opposed.
Section 28: correction of the register
"The Registrar may, on application made in the prescribed manner by the registered proprietor or the authorised user,—"
| Clause | What the Registrar may do |
|---|---|
| (a) | Correct any error in the name, address or description of the registered proprietor or the authorised user, or any other entry relating to the geographical indication on the register |
| (b) | Enter any change in the name, address or description of the association of persons or of producers or any organisation or authority registered as proprietor |
| (c) | Cancel the entry of a geographical indication on the register |
| (d) | Strike out any goods or class or classes of goods from those in respect of which a geographical indication is registered |
"and may make any consequential amendment or alteration in the certificate of registration, and for that purpose, may require the certificate of registration to be produced to him."
Key points:
- Only the registered proprietor or the authorised user can apply under section 28. A third party who objects to an entry uses section 27.
- Clauses (c) and (d) are voluntary shrinking powers. The proprietor or user can ask to cancel the entry or strike out goods. The text does not say whether an authorised user alone may cancel the indication's entry; it says the application may be made "by the registered proprietor or the authorised user".
- The Registrar may call for the certificate to be produced to make consequential changes.
Example. The Hilltop Weavers' Cooperative changes its registered office. It applies under section 28(b) to enter the change of address. Separately, it decides to stop producing one craft item and applies under section 28(d) to strike that goods class from the registered goods.
Section 29: alteration of a registered indication
Sub-section (1): leave to alter
"The registered proprietor of a geographical indication may apply in the prescribed manner to the Registrar for leave to add to or alter the geographical indication in any manner not substantially affecting the identity thereof, and the Registrar may refuse leave or may grant it on such terms and subject to such limitations as he may think fit."
Only the registered proprietor may apply here, not an authorised user. The alteration must be one "not substantially affecting the identity". A change that alters the identity of the indication is outside this section, and the text does not say what route applies instead. The Registrar may refuse, or grant on terms and limitations.
Sub-section (2): advertisement and opposition
"The Registrar may cause an application under this section to be advertised in the prescribed manner in any case where it appears to him that it is expedient so to do, and where he does so, if within the prescribed time from the date of the advertisement any person gives notice to the Registrar in the prescribed manner of the opposition to the application, the Registrar shall, after hearing the parties if so required, decide the matter."
Advertisement is discretionary ("may ... where it appears to him that it is expedient"). If advertised, any person may oppose within the prescribed time, and the Registrar decides after hearing the parties if required.
Sub-section (3): advertising the altered indication
"Where leave is granted under this section, the geographical indication as altered shall be advertised in the prescribed manner, unless the application has already been advertised under sub-section (2)."
So the alteration is made public either before (under sub-section (2)) or after the grant of leave (under sub-section (3)), but not twice.
Section 30: adaptation to classification changes
Sub-section (1): the bar and its proviso
"The Registrar shall not make any amendment of the register which would have the effect of adding any goods or classes of goods to those in respect of which a geographical indication is registered (whether in one or more classes) immediately before the amendment is to be made or antedating the registration of a geographical indication in respect of any goods:"
Two things are barred: adding goods or classes, and antedating the registration for any goods.
Proviso: "Provided that this sub-section, shall not apply when the Registrar is satisfied that compliance therewith would involve complexity and that the addition or antedating, as the case may be, would not affect any substantial quantity of goods and would not substantially prejudice the rights of any person."
All three conditions of the proviso must be met on the printed wording: compliance would involve complexity, the addition or antedating would not affect a substantial quantity of goods, and it would not substantially prejudice the rights of any person.
Sub-section (2): notice, advertisement and opposition
"A proposal so to amend the register shall be brought to the notice of the registered proprietor and every authorised user of the geographical indication affected and advertised in the prescribed manner, and may be opposed before the Registrar by any person aggrieved on the ground that the proposed amendment contravenes the provisions of sub-section (1)."
The grounds for opposition are limited: the proposed amendment contravenes sub-section (1). Opposition is by "any person aggrieved".
Section 30 is about adapting register entries when the classification of goods is amended or substituted, as its heading says; the printed text of sub-section (1) does not itself mention the classification, and we flag that the heading and the body together give the context. Section 8(2) requires the Registrar to classify goods in accordance with the International classification.
The three sections side by side
| Section | Who applies | What can change | Safeguard |
|---|---|---|---|
| 28 | Registered proprietor or authorised user | Errors; name, address, description; cancel entry; strike out goods | Consequential change in certificate |
| 29 | Registered proprietor | Add to or alter indication, not substantially affecting identity | Registrar may refuse or set terms; advertisement and opposition |
| 30 | Registrar's own proposal | Register amendments on classification changes | No adding goods or antedating, unless proviso; notice, advertisement, opposition |
Why choosing goods at the start matters
Section 28(d) allows shrinking the goods list. Section 30(1) bars adding goods through a register amendment, subject to the proviso. If a producer later wants to cover more goods, the text of these sections does not give a route for adding them to an existing registration. This is why the class and goods list should be decided carefully at the application stage; see Section 8.
What the sections do not say
- They do not state forms, fees or time limits.
- Section 29 does not define "identity" or say how a substantial effect on it is judged.
- Section 28 does not say what happens to authorised users when the entry is cancelled.
- Section 30 does not say who proposes the amendment, though it assumes the Registrar's initiative.
Need help changing a registered entry?
Choosing between section 28 and section 29, and framing the request properly, avoids refusals and unwanted advertisement. Our team can prepare the application through a geographical indication registration engagement.
Key takeaways
- Section 28: registered proprietor or authorised user may seek correction, change of name or address, cancellation of the entry, or striking out goods.
- Section 29: the registered proprietor may seek leave to alter the indication in a way not substantially affecting its identity; advertisement may be ordered and opposition allowed.
- Section 30: no adding goods or antedating through register amendments, subject to the proviso; proposals are advertised and open to opposition.
- Goods can be struck out under section 28(d), but adding goods is restricted.
Read next
- Section 31: appeals to the High Court
- Section 27: power to cancel or vary registration and rectify the register
- Section 8: registration for particular goods and area
Disclaimer: Based on the Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act, 1999 read with the Tribunals Reforms Act, 2021 and the Jan Vishwas (Amendment of Provisions) Act, 2023, as consulted on 1 October 2026. Forms, fees and procedure are set by the rules made under the Act. This article is general information, not legal advice; check the official text before acting.