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DAILY NEWS ANALYSIS
04 January, 2024
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A geographical indication (GI) is a designation applied to products originating from a specific geographical area, indicating that the qualities or reputation of the products are inherently linked to that particular origin.
In India, the Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act, of 1999 governs the registration and protection of GIs. These tags play a crucial role in promoting and safeguarding the unique products and traditional knowledge of various regions, contributing to rural development, preserving cultural heritage, and enhancing the marketability of Indian products in the global market.
Article 22 (1) of Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS) defines GIs as “indications which identify a good as originating in the territory of a member, or a region or locality in that territory, where a given quality, reputation or other characteristic of the good is essentially attributable to its geographic origin”.
In many EU nations, GI is classified in two basic categories Protected GI (PGI) and Protected Destination of Origin (PDO). India only has the PGI category.
This certification is also extended to non-agricultural products, such as handicrafts based on human skills, materials and resources available in certain areas that make the product unique.GI is a powerful tool for protecting traditional knowledge, culture and can boost socio-economic development.
Benefits: It lets approved users stop others from using the indication if their product doesn't meet the standards. A GI tag confers the following rights to the registered proprietors:
International Conventions on GI Tags These international conventions and systems play a crucial role in protecting and promoting products with a GI tag, ensuring they maintain their unique identity and quality.
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Legal Framework and Governance:
Status of GI Tags Registration:
Compared to other nations, India lags in GI registration. Till December 2023, Intellectual Property India received just 1,167 applications, of which only 547 products have been registered, as per the GI Registry.
Germany leads in GI registrations, with 15,566 registered products, followed by China (7,247), as per 2020 data with the World Intellectual Property Organization.
Globally, wines and spirits comprise 51.8% of registered GIs, followed by agricultural products and foodstuffs at 29.9%.In India, handicraft (about 45%) and agriculture (about 30%) comprise the majority of the GI products.
Concerns Regarding the GI Tags in India:
Concerns with GI Act and Registration Process:The GI Act, 1999 framed over two decades ago, requires timely amendments to address current challenges.Registration forms and application processing times need simplification for easier compliance.
The current application acceptance ratio is only about 46% in India.Lack of suitable institutional development hampers effective implementation of GI protection mechanisms.Producers often struggle post-GI registration due to a lack of guidance and support.
Ambiguity in Producers' Definition:The lack of clarity in defining "producers" in the GI Act of 1999 leads to the involvement of intermediaries.Intermediaries benefit from GIs, diluting the intended advantages for genuine producers.
Disputes at the International Level:Disputes, especially regarding products like Darjeeling teaand Basmati riceindicate that GIs receive less attention compared to patents, trademarks, and copyrights.
Academic Attention:Limited academic focus on GIs is evident, with only seven publications from India.A recent surge in publications indicates growing academic interest, with 35 articles published in 2021.
European nations, such as Italy, Spain, and France, lead in GI-related academic publications.
GI Tag in India
The Geographical Indication Registry, a division of the Ministry of Commerce and Industry’s Department of Industry Promotion and Internal Trade (DIPIT), is responsible for issuing GI tags, further safeguarding these unique products and their geographical origins. The GI tag holds significant importance for India, as it:
GI Act of 1999
The Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act, 1999 is the main law in India that oversees the registration and protection of geographical indications. The Act’s key provisions include:
GI Tag as an IPR
Geographical Indications are recognized as a form of intellectual property rights under the TRIPS Agreement of the World Trade Organization (WTO). As an IPR, GIs:
State Wise GI Tag Products in India
The GI Registry is located in Chennai processes and registers GI Applications. The tag was first given to Darjeeling Tea. However, GI tags aren’t only for popular products; they exist for hundreds of items across states, each recognizing a specific region and product. The various states' GI tags are as follows:
State |
GI Tags |
Andhra Pradesh |
- Handicraft: Srikalahasti Kalamkari, Kondapalli Bommallu, Budithi Bell and Brass Metal Craft, Uppada Jamdani Sarees, Bobbili Veena, Durgi Stone Carvings, Etikoppaka Toys. - Food Stuff: Tirupati Laddu, Bandar Laddu - Agricultural: Guntur Sannam Chilli, Banaganapalle Mangoes. |
Arunachal Pradesh |
- Handicraft: Idu Mishmi Textiles - Agricultural: Khaw Tai (Khamti Rice), Yak Churpi |
Assam |
- Handicraft: Muga Silk - Manufactured: Judima |
Bihar |
- Handicraft: Madhubani Paintings, Sujini Embroidery - Manufactured: Bhagalpuri Zardalu, Katarni Rice - Food Stuff: Silao Khaja |
Chattisgarh |
- Handicraft: Bastar Dhokra, Champa Silk Saree and Fabrics |
Goa |
- Manufactured: Feni - Agricultural: Khola Chilli |
Gujarat |
- Handicraft: Sankheda Furniture, Tangaliya Shawl, Jamnagari Bandhani, Mata ni Pachhedi - Agricultural: Bhalia Wheat |
Himachal Pradesh |
- Handicraft: Kullu Shawl - Agricultural: Kangra Tea |
Jharkhand |
- Handicraft: Sohrai – Khovar Painting. |
Karnataka |
- Handicraft: Mysore Silk, Kasuti Embroidery, Molakalmuru Sarees Handicraft, Sandur Lambani Embroidery, Kinhal Toys, Kolhapuri Chappal - Manufactured: Mysore Sandal Soap, Mysore Agarbathi - Agricultural: Coorg Orange, Coorg Green Cardamom, Devanahalli Pomello, Appemidi Mango, Byadagi Chilli, Indi Limbe, Monsooned Malabar Robusta Coffee, Monsooned Malabar Arabica Coffee |
Kerala |
- Handicraft: Aranmula Kannadi, Alleppey Coil. - Agricultural: Navara Rice, Pokkali Rice, Kaipad Rice, Chengalikodan Nendran Banana, Nilambur Teak, Tirur Betel Leaf (Tirur Vettila), Attappady Thuvara |
Madhya Pradesh |
- Handicraft: Chanderi Sarees, Maheshwar Sarees and Fabrics - Agricultural: Sharbati Gehu - Food Stuff: Jhabua Kadaknath Black Chicken Meat, Ratlami Sev |
Maharashtra |
- Agricultural: Nashik Grapes, Ajara Ghansal Rice, Mangalwedha Jowar, Navapur Tur Dal, Lasalgaon Onion, Sangli Raisins, Ambemohar Rice, Alphonso - Handicraft: Kolhapuri Chappal |
Manipur |
- Handicraft: Shaphee Lanphee, Wangkhei Phee |
Mizoram |
- Handicraft: Pawndum, Tawlhlohpuan |
Odisha |
- Handicraft: Konark Stone Carving, Khandua Saree and Fabrics, Gopalpur Tussar Fabrics, Dungaria Kondh Embroidered Shawl - Agricultural: Kandhamal Haladi, Koraput Kalajeera Rice |
Rajasthan |
- Handicraft: Thewa Art Work, Molela Clay Work, Sanganeri Hand Block Printing, Bagru Hand Block Print, Pokaran Pottery. - Natural: Makrana Marble |
Tamilnadu |
- Handicraft: Salem Fabric, Kancheepuram Silk, Madurai Sungudi, Thanjavur Paintings, Salem Silk (Salem Venpattu), Kovai Kora Cotton Sarees, Arani Silk, Pattamadai Pai (Pattamadai Mat), Toda Embroidery, Mahabalipuram Stone Sculpture, Thirubuvanam Silk Sarees, Dindigul Locks, Kandangi Sarees. - Manufactured: East India Leather. - Agricultural: Madurai Malli, Erode Manjal (Erode Turmeric). - Food Stuff: Kovilpatti Kadalai Mittai, Salem Sago. - Natural: Marthandam Honey. |
Telangana |
- Handicraft: Pochampalli Ikat, Nirmal Toys and Craft, Gadwal Sarees, Cheriyal Paintings, Pembarthi Metal Craft, Adilabad Dokra, Telia Rumal |
Uttar Pradesh |
- Handicraft: Khurja Pottery, Mahoba Gaura Patthar Hastashlip, Mainpuri Tarkashi, Sambhal Horn Craft - Agricultural: Mango Malihabadi Dusseheri, Kalanamak Rice. |
West Bengal |
- Handicraft: Nakshi Kantha, Baluchari Saree, Dhaniakhali Saree, Purulia Chau Mask - Agricultural: Darjeeling Tea, Tulapanji Rice, Gobindobhog Rice - Food Stuff: Joynagar Moa, Bardhaman Sitabhog. |
Union Territory |
GI Tags |
Jammu and Kashmir |
- Handicraft: Kani Shawl, - Agricultural: Ramban Sulai Honey, Mushqbudji Rice, Bhaderwah Rajmash, Kashmir Saffron |
Pondicherry |
- Handicraft: Villianur Terracotta Works, Tirukanur Papier Mache Craft |
Ladakh |
- Handicraft: Pashmina Wool - Agricultural: Ladakh Raktsey Karpo Apricot |
Joint GI Tag Products of States |
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- Karnataka and Kerala: Monsooned Malabar Robusta Coffee, Monsooned Malabar Arabica Coffee - Kerala and TN: Alleppey Green Cardamom - Maharashtra, Gujarat, Dadara & Nagar Haveli, and Daman Diu: Warli Painting - Punjab / Haryana / H.P / Delhi / Uttarakhand / U.P / J&K: Basmati - Punjab, Rajasthan and Haryana: Phulkari - Manipur and Nagaland: Chak - Hao |
The first product in India to be accorded with GI tag was Darjeeling Tea in the year 2004-05.
Recently, over 17 products from Odisha, Arunachal Pradesh, West Bengal, and J&K have received the Geographical Indication (GI) tag.
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