A Geographical Indication (GI) identifies goods that originate from a specific geographical area, where a particular quality, reputation, or characteristic of the product is essentially attributable to its place of origin. Well-known examples include Darjeeling Tea, Scotch Whisky, and Swiss Watches.
GI protection transforms a regional name into a collective intellectual property asset, preventing unauthorized use and preserving the authenticity and reputation of products linked to a defined territory.
At Lance IP, we assist associations, producer groups, manufacturers, and regional organisations in securing and managing GI protection across sectors such as food and beverage, agriculture, handicrafts, and textiles. Our focus is on building legally defensible GI frameworks that support quality assurance and long-term commercial value.
Our GI Practice Philosophy
We approach GI protection as a structured legal and governance exercise. Our work focuses on establishing a clear, verifiable link between geography, production practices, and product reputation, while enabling producer communities to manage and enforce GI rights effectively.
Our GI Services
GI Registration and Strategy
- Assessment of eligibility based on demonstrable links between geographical origin and product quality or reputation
- Defining and documenting the precise geographical territory of production
- Drafting detailed specifications of goods, including production methods, quality controls, and historical evidence
- Managing filing, prosecution, publication, opposition, and registration before national GI registries
Authorized User Management
- Guidance on applications for authorized user status for eligible producers and associations
- Establishing and maintaining statutory records for authorized user registration and renewals
- Advisory on internal regulations and inspection mechanisms to ensure compliance with GI specifications
Enforcement and International Protection
- Monitoring domestic and international markets for misuse or misrepresentation of GI-protected names
- Support for enforcement actions against unauthorized users and counterfeit products
- Advisory on international reciprocity and protection strategies in key export jurisdictions
What Sets Lance IP Apart
- Strong capability in compiling complex geographical, historical, and technical documentation
- Experience advising producer associations on governance and quality control structures
- Strategic framing of GI protection to support premium positioning and market differentiation
