This study was carried outfor the National Intellectual Property Office and was financed by the World Intellectual Property Organization. Geographical Indications (GIs) are rights in names, signs or other indications that identify products originating in a country, region or locality, having special qualities, characteristics and/or reputation attributable to their geographical origin. GIs may be the name of a country, region or locality, such as Scotch Whisky or Champagne Wine, or it may be an invented name or symbol. This study highlights the benefits of gaining competitive advantage through the protection of GIs through an analysis of the tea, sapphire and cinnamon industries of Sri Lanka.