What is Geographical Indication?
- 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.
What are the benefits of a GI Tag?
- 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.
What are the legalities related to GI Tag?
- 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.
Facts:
- Darjeeling tea was the first product to accorded with GI tag in India.
Why in news?
- Odisha and West Bengal are fighting for GI of Rosogolla
- Nilambur Teak of Kerala is awarded GI tag.
- Gobindobhog rice has been granted GI tag
- Seven commodities were granted Geographical Indication (GI) this year by the Indian patent office. It includes :
- Banaganapalle mangoes (Andhra Pradesh),
- Tulaipanji rice (West Bengal),
- Pochampally Ikat (Telangana),
- Gobindobhog rice (West Bengal),
- Durgi stone carvings and Etikoppaka toys (Andhra Pradesh)
- Chakshesang shawl (Nagaland).
- 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.
