Geographical Indications Act and WTO

The Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act, 1999 was enacted to comply with India's obligations under the World Trade Organization (WTO), specifically the TRIPS (Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights) Agreement. The TRIPS agreement requires WTO member countries to protect geographical indications, which are signs used on goods that have a specific geographical origin and possess qualities or reputation tied to that origin. ILO focuses on labor standards, IMF on monetary issues, and UNCTAD on trade and development—none require GI legislation. Only WTO's TRIPS agreement mandates such protection. > WTO TRIPS Compliance: GI Act 1999 fulfills India's commitment to protect geographical indications as per WTO standards.