The Geographical Indications
(Registration and Protection)
Act, 2020
Team Members
Name Roll No
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Ahmed Ali 21101001- 119
Muneeba Saeed 21101001- 101
Atta Ur Rehman 21101001-100
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Geographical Indication (GI)?
A Geographical Indication (GI) is a special label or
sign used on products that come from a specific place
and have unique qualities, reputation, or
traditional know-how because of that location.
Geographical Indications help us protect and promote Pakistan’s unique local
treasures—like how Multani Shon Halwa can only come from Multan and not
just anywhere else. These products carry not just taste or style—but
heritage.
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CHAPTER I – PRELIMINARY
Short Title, Extent And Commencement :
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Sec 1
This Act is called the Geographical Indications (Registration and
Protection) Act No, XVIII, 2020
is a law that provides for the registration and protection of
geographical indications (GIs) for goods produced in specific
regions of the country. Its main purpose is to recognize and protect
the unique characteristics and reputation of goods originating from
locations, ensuring they are not misrepresented by others. .
It applies to the entire country of Pakistan..
The law does not apply immediately after it's passed. It only
becomes enforceable once the government officially notifies it in
the official Gazette (a government publication : Like Reports).
Applicant
Any person, company, or group interested in getting a GI registered.
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Example: A farmers' association in Multan applying to register Multani
Mangoes as a GI.
Authorized User
Someone officially allowed to use the registered GI.
Example: A mango exporter in Multan authorized to label their
products as Multani Mangoes.
Definitions
Book of Specifications
Sec-2 A detailed document listing the product standards and region.
Example: A document showing the soil type, climate, and
traditional farming techniques used to grow Multani Mangoes.
Certification Body
An organization that ensures the product meets the
specifications.
Example: Punjab Agriculture Department certifying Multani
Mangoes follow proper GI standards.
Geographical Origin
6 The exact location the product comes from.
Example: Hunza is the geographical origin of Hunza Apricots.
Foreign Geographical Indication
A GI registered in another country.
Example: Champagne from France or Darjeeling Tea from India.
Generic Name or Indication
Definitions A name that has become common and doesn’t refer to origin
anymore.
Example: If people start calling Multani Mangoes just “summer
mangoes,” it becomes generic and loses its GI meaning.
Goods
Any product: agricultural, industrial, handicraft, etc.
Example: Kashmiri Shawls, Sargodha Kinnow (oranges), Chinioti
Furniture.
7 Indication
A word, symbol, label, or image showing the product’s origin.
Example: A sticker that says “Product of Sialkot – Surgical
Instruments” on a packaging box.
IPO-Pakistan
The body managing all intellectual property rights in Pakistan.
Example: IPO-Pakistan is where you file a GI application for
Definitions Sindhi Ajrak.
Operator
Anyone involved in the production or sale of GI goods.
Example: A weaver making Hala Tiles in Sindh is an operator.
Pakistan Geographical Indication
A GI that comes from a specific region of Pakistan.
Example: Sindhi Ajrak, Kaghan Trout Fish, Quetta Dry Fruit.
Register & Registry
8 Official record/database where GI applications and registrations
are stored.
Example: Kaghan Trout Fish gets entered into the official GI
register by the registry.
Registrant
The organization that owns the registered GI.
Example: A registered association of Chinioti Furniture Makers.
Definitions
Registrar
The official responsible for managing GI registrations.
Example: An officer at IPO Pakistan designated to approve GI
applications.
Use of Geographical Indication
Using the GI in any way—labels, ads, packaging, etc.
Example: A soap brand using “Made with Hunza Apricots” in its
marketing would need proper GI usage permission.
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2. GEOGRAPHICAL
INDICATION REGISTRY
10 Geographical Indications Registry:
A Geographical Indications Registry will be set up and managed by IPO Pakistan.
Until a separate GI Registry is established, the Trade Marks Registry (under the
2001 Ordinance) will perform its functions.
The GI Registry will maintain a record called the Register of Geographical
Indications. For now, it is kept at the Trade Marks Registry and will be transferred
once the GI Registry is established under the Act.
IPO Pakistan, with Policy Board approval, may open GI Registry offices at
needed locations to assist applicants.
The GI Registry will have its own official seal.
11 Registrar Geographical Indications And
Other Functionaries:
IPO Pakistan can appoint a Registrar for Geographical Indications through an
official Gazette notification.
Until then, the Registrar of Trade Marks will handle GI duties.
The new Registrar must be appointed within 360 days of the Act’s start.
12 Delegation Of Authority Of The Registrar:
IPO Pakistan will appoint deputy and assistant registrars with Policy Board’s
approval.
The Registrar can delegate specific duties to these deputies and assistants.
In the Act, the term “Registrar” also includes any deputy or assistant registrar
performing delegated roles.
IPO Pakistan may allow the Registrar to delegate functions to other GI Registry
officers as well.
13 Register Of Geographical Indication:
Each branch will keep a copy of the GI Register, which may be partly or fully
electronic.
It will include names, addresses, and details of registrants and authorized users.
The register will be open for public viewing during convenient hours.
The register will have two parts:
Part A – details of registrants of geographical indications.
Part B – details of authorized users.
Anyone can request extracts from the register as per rules.
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3. REGISTRATION OF
GEOGRAPHICAL INDICATION
15 Registration Of Registrant Of Geographical
Indication:
The owner of a geographical indication can register goods from
a specific area, and the Registrar will group them based on
international categories.
16 Prohibition Of Registration Of A
Geographical Indication:
A geographical indication cannot be registered if:
1. It doesn’t fit the official definition of a geographical indication.
2. Its use might confuse or mislead people.
3. It is not protected or no longer protected in its home country.
4. It is no longer used in its home country.
5. The Registrar considers it a generic or common name.
6. It goes against moral values or public rules.
17 Registration Of Homonymous Geographical
Indication:
A homonymous geographical indication (same name used for different places)
can be registered.
Before registration, the Registrar must ensure:
There are clear ways to tell the different GIs
apart.
Fair treatment of all producers.
Consumers won’t get confused or misled.
18 Registration Of Foreign Geographical
Indication:
A foreign geographical indication (GI) can be registered in Pakistan only
if it’s protected in its home country.
Pakistan won’t register a foreign GI if it’s no longer protected or used in
its home country.
The application must be filed in Pakistan by the legal representative of
the foreign GI owner.
During registration, Pakistan’s Registry may ask for information about
the GI’s protection in its home country.