What is meant by 'geographical indication' in relation to goods under the Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act, 1999? What are the benefits of registration under this Act?

As per Section 2(e) of the Geographical Indication of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act, 1999, 'geographical indication' in relation to goods means an indication which identifies such goods as agricultural goods, natural goods or manufactured goods as originating, or manufactured in the territory of a country, or a region or locality in that territory, where a given quality, reputation or other characteristic of such goods is essentially attributable to its geographical origin and in case where such goods are manufactured goods one of the activities of either the production or of processing or preparation of the goods concerned takes place in such territory, region or locality, as the case may be. It may be noted that any name which is not the name of a country, region or locality of that country shall also be considered as the geographical indication if it relates to a specific geographical area and is used upon or in relation to particular goods originating from that country, region or locality, as the case may be. Benefit of registration of geographical indications It confers legal protection to Geographical Indications in India Prevents unauthorised use of a Registered Geographical Indication by others It provides legal protection to Indian Geographical Indications which in turn boost exports. It promotes economic prosperity of producers of goods produced in a geographical territory