Published Paper Details:

Geographical Indications (GIs) serve as pivotal tool in identifying goods originating from specific regions, reflecting the unique qualities, reputation, or characteristics attributable to that origin. While the World Trade Organisation's (WTO) agreement on Trade-Related Aspect of Intellectual Property Right (TRIPS) provides a foundational framework for GI protection, its application predominantly favor's agricultural products. Historically, GI protection has focused agriculture products and foodstuffs (wine, cheese, tea, rice) but many non-agricultural goods (handicrafts, textiles, ceramics, metalware, industrial design-linked products) also prosses qualities intimately tied to place of origin and local known knowledge. This paper tries to examines the doctrinal footing of GI protection under TRIPS, analyses key disputes and national practices (with emphasis on WTO disputes and notable national/regional developments), evaluates doctrinal and practical obstacles to expanding heightened protection to non-agriculture products, and proposes legal and policy pathways for expanding protection while balancing trademark and trade interests.