GI applications can be filed and tracked online from 15 September 2026; IP India issues draft step-by-step filing guidelines
The Office of the CGPDTM has issued Draft Guidelines for Filing a Geographical Indication (GI) Application, Version 1.0, September 2026. A new GI e-filing service, with online tracking, is available from 15 September 2026. Forms GI-1A to GI-1D are used and the fee is ₹1,000 for each class of goods.
Key facts
- In force
- GI e-filing service available from 15 September 2026; filing guidelines are a draft
- Who it affects
- Producer associations, cooperatives, FPOs, artisan and farmer groups, commodity boards, GI agents and facilitators
- What it is
- New facility
- Section
- Trademark & IP
- Published
- 15 September 2026
In 30 seconds
- The guidelines are marked “Draft”, Version 1.0, September 2026.
- A new e-filing service is available from 15 September 2026 and also offers online tracking; physical filing at the GI Registry, Chennai continues.
- A GI application is filed by a body representing producers under section 11(1) of the GI Act, 1999 — not by an individual producer in a personal capacity.
- Forms: GI-1A (Indian, single class), GI-1B (foreign, single class), GI-1C (Indian, multiple class), GI-1D (foreign, multiple class).
- Fee: ₹1,000 for each class of goods. Ten mandatory PDFs, each up to 8 MB; e-Sign with Aadhaar.
- After acceptance, the application is advertised in the GI Journal and stays open to opposition for four months.
हिंदी में सार
CGPDTM कार्यालय ने Geographical Indication (GI) आवेदन दाख़िल करने के ड्राफ़्ट दिशानिर्देश (Version 1.0, सितंबर 2026) जारी किए हैं। 15 सितंबर 2026 से GI आवेदन ऑनलाइन दाख़िल और ट्रैक किए जा सकते हैं; चेन्नई की GI Registry में भौतिक रूप से दाख़िल करना भी जारी है। आवेदन उत्पादकों का प्रतिनिधित्व करने वाली संस्था करती है; फ़ॉर्म GI-1A से GI-1D, फ़ीस हर वर्ग के लिए ₹1,000।
What is new
The Office of the Controller General of Patents, Designs and Trade Marks has issued Draft Guidelines for Filing a Geographical Indication (GI) Application — Version 1.0, September 2026, a step-by-step guide for producer communities, associations and organisations. The guide records that a new GI e-filing service is available from 15 September 2026 and also offers online tracking of applications. Filing in physical mode at the Geographical Indications Registry, Intellectual Property Office Building, G.S.T. Road, Guindy, Chennai – 600 032 remains possible.
The guidelines are marked “Draft”. The document does not print a date for comments.
Who can apply
A GI is a shared community right. Under section 11(1) of the Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act, 1999, the applicant is an association of persons or producers, or an organisation or authority established by or under law, representing the interest of the producers. The guide lists producer associations and societies, cooperatives and trusts, farmer producer organisations, artisan-run producer companies, commodity or development boards, NGOs working with the producer community and export-promotion bodies. Where there are several producer associations in an area, an umbrella organisation is suggested.
Forms and fee
| Form | For |
|---|---|
| GI-1A | Indian applicant, single class |
| GI-1B | Foreign applicant, single class |
| GI-1C | Indian applicant, multiple class |
| GI-1D | Foreign applicant, multiple class |
The prescribed fee is ₹1,000 for each class of goods. On the portal, the fee is calculated automatically and can be paid by credit card, debit card, UPI and similar options.
Filing online, in brief
- Register as Applicant, Facilitator, GI Agent or Attorney/Advocate; verify by mobile/e-mail OTP; log in.
- Choose the form and the language (English or Hindi); entries are auto-transliterated into the second language and can be edited.
- Upload the GI logo (PDF/JPEG/PNG, up to 8 MB) and all 10 mandatory PDFs — specification, description, map, proof of origin, method of production, uniqueness, inspection body, affidavits and others — each up to 8 MB.
- Preview, e-Sign with name and 12-digit Aadhaar number, pay, and receive the acknowledgement; the application number is sent by SMS/e-mail.
What the application must show
The guide sets six basic conditions: a connection with a geographical area, a link between product and place, reputation, historical origin, uniqueness and quality, and a producer community. The name must be an existing name already in use, not one invented for the application. The applicant needs a certified map of the GI area (three certified copies from a competent authority), a notarised affidavit on how it represents producers, proof of origin, the method of production, and details of an inspection body.
After filing
- Formality check; deficiencies are raised in a report, and a show-cause hearing may follow an incomplete reply.
- A Consultative Group of up to seven experts reviews the application; it generally reports within three months of its formation.
- Once accepted, the application is advertised in the GI Journal, ordinarily within three months; opposition may be filed within four months of publication.
- Registration takes effect from the date of filing and is currently valid for 10 years, renewable.
What producer bodies should do
Organise the producers into a registered body first, then assemble the map, affidavit and historical evidence before opening the portal. For doubts, the Office holds Open House sessions every working Friday; the toll-free number is 1800-110-989 (10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., except Government holidays).
Questions and answers
Can a GI application be filed online?
Yes. The guidelines say a new e-filing service is available from 15 September 2026 and also offers online tracking of applications. Physical filing at the GI Registry in Chennai also continues.
Can an individual producer apply for a GI?
Normally not in a personal capacity. A GI is a community right, and under section 11(1) of the GI Act, 1999 the application is filed by an association of persons or producers, or an organisation or authority established by or under law, representing the producers’ interest.
What is the fee for a GI application?
₹1,000 for each class of goods, as stated in the guidelines.
Which form should be used?
GI-1A for an Indian applicant in a single class, GI-1B for a foreign applicant in a single class, GI-1C for an Indian applicant in multiple classes and GI-1D for a foreign applicant in multiple classes.
How long is the opposition period?
The advertisement in the GI Journal remains open for four months from the date of publication or re-publication, during which any person may file an opposition.
Published 15 September 2026. Updated 6 October 2026. This report is for general information and is not professional advice. Read the source document before acting on it.