Geographical Indication – UPSC

Geographical Indication is a genre of Intellectual Property.

GI tag is an insignia on products having a unique geographical origin and evolution over centuries with regards to its special quality or reputation attributes.

The status to the products marks its authenticity and ensures that registered authorised users are allowed to use the popular product name.

These could be naturally grown crops like Assam Chilies or manufactured products like Jaipur Pottery.

GI tags are given on the basis of the Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act, 1999.

The registration of GI is valid for 10 years after which it needs to be renewed.

Violation of GI tags is punishable offence under law.

Legal protection to the products

Prevents unauthorised use of a GI tag products by others

Helps consumers to get quality products of desired traits

Promotes economic prosperity of producers of GI tag goods by enhancing their demand in national and international markets.

The GI tag allows the producers of the objects to claim a premium for their products. Thus, it is financially beneficial to them.

The GI tag can also pique interest of consumers and thus raise demand for a product again benefiting the producer.

It is covered as an element of intellectual property rights (IPRs) under the Paris Convention for the Protection of Industrial Property.

At international level, GI is governed by World Trade Organisation’s (WTO’s) Agreement on Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS).

In India, GI registration is governed by the Geographical Indications of goods (Registration and Protection) Act, 1999.

This Act is administered by Controller General of Patents, Designs and Trade Marks, who is also Registrar of Geographical Indications and is based in Chennai, Tamil Nadu.

Darjeeling tea was the first product to accorded with GI tag in India.

Odisha and West Bengal are fighting for GI of Rosogolla

Odisha has been granted GI tag for “Odisha Rosogolla”

Nilambur Teak of Kerala is awarded GI tag.

Gobindobhog rice has been granted GI tag

Seven commodities were granted Geographical Indication (GI) last year by the Indian patent office. It includes :

Alphonso mango from 5 districts of Maharashtra gets GI Tag.

DIPP has unveiled a tricolour logo for geographical indication (GI) certified products. The logo has tagline “Invaluable Treasures of Incredible India” printed below it.