Geographical Indication Act 1999: Section 9 Provision

The Geographical Indication of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act 1999 is a key legislation in India for protecting unique products originating from specific geographical regions.

Understanding Section 9

Section 9 of this Act specifically addresses grounds upon which a geographical indication might be refused registration. It outlines circumstances where the registration of a geographical indication is not permitted.

Key Provision: Prohibition of Registration

As per Section 9 of the Geographical Indication of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act 1999, the Registrar is mandated to refuse the registration of a geographical indication if it falls under certain categories that are prohibited. These typically include indications that:

• Are likely to deceive or cause confusion.
• Are contrary to law, morality, or decency.
• Contain scandalous or obscene matter.
• Include the name of a person, unless it is distinctively written or presented.
• Are identical or similar to existing geographical indications for goods of the same kind.
• Are purely generic or have lost their geographical character.

Therefore, Section 9 directly provides for the Prohibition of Registration of Certain geographical indications based on these specific grounds.