Traditionally associated with agricultural products such as wines, cheeses, and speciality foods, Geographical Indications (GIs) protect products whose qualities or reputation are linked to a specific geographical origin. In recent years, the international landscape for GI protection has evolved markedly, with GIs taking on heightened attention in trade agreements, global disputes, and legislative reforms.  Governments are increasingly incorporating GI protection into bilateral and multilateral trade agreements, recognising the economic and cultural importance of region-specific products.¹ The European Union is at the forefront and has progressively sought to strengthen GI protection within its trade partnerships. Recent negotiations between the European Union and India illustrate this trend, with both parties discussing the mutual recognition and protection of GI-designated products.² Such agreements aim to safeguard well-known European products, such as Champagne and Parmigiano Reggiano cheese, while also providing international recognition for Indian products such as Darjeeling tea and Basmati rice. The inclusion of GI provisions in trade agreements demonstrates that intellectual property protection is becoming an integral part of broader trade diplomacy and market-access strategies. 

Alongside trade negotiations, disputes relating to geographical indications have also intensified on the global stage. These disputes often arise where multiple regions claim historical or cultural connections to a particular product name. A prominent example is the ongoing disagreement between India and Pakistan over the use of the “Basmati” designation in international markets. Both countries claim that Basmati rice originates in their respective regions and have sought recognition of the term under the European Union’s GI framework.³ The issue has become particularly complex due to geopolitical sensitivities and overlapping claims regarding geographical origin. Such disputes highlight the broader challenge of defining territorial authenticity while balancing historical usage, trade interests, and political considerations.⁴ 

In addition to agricultural disputes, geographical indications are increasingly intersecting with global consumer markets and the fashion industry. A recent contention involving the luxury fashion brand Prada illustrates this trend. The brand faced criticism after presenting sandals inspired by Kolhapuri chappals, a traditional Indian footwear protected under a GI⁵. Although the company maintained that the designs were merely inspired by traditional aesthetics rather than direct reproductions, the incident sparked debate about cultural appropriation and the limits of GI protection in international commercial contexts. Such cases reveal the difficulties of enforcing GI rights across industries where traditional craftsmanship and global fashion markets overlap.⁶ 

Parallel to these developments, several countries are reforming their domestic GI legislation to strengthen protection and encourage broader participation in GI systems. India, for instance, introduced amendments to its Geographical Indications rules to simplify registration procedures and reduce filing costs. By lowering application and renewal fees, the reforms seek to encourage local producers, artisans, and agricultural communities to secure GI protection for regional products. Such legislative updates reflect a broader policy objective of promoting rural development, preserving traditional knowledge, and enhancing the international competitiveness of locally produced goods. 

Taken together, these developments demonstrate the increasing importance of geographical indications within the global intellectual property landscape. As international trade expands and cultural heritage becomes closely connected to economic value, governments and stakeholders are placing greater emphasis on protecting and regulating GI products. The growing integration of GI protection into trade agreements, the emergence of complex international disputes, and ongoing legal reforms collectively signal that geographical indications will remain a significant and evolving component of international intellectual property law. 

Feature written by Khushraj Singh, Senior Reporter, The Global IP Magazine. Email Khushraj: newsdesk@northonsprmarketing.com