×

UPSC Courses

DNA banner

DAILY NEWS ANALYSIS

  • 04 January, 2024

  • 18 Min Read

Geographical Indication (GI)

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:

    • Legal protection against unauthorised use by others.
    • Exclusive right to use the GI tag for the specified goods or products.
    • Ability to prevent misuse, imitation, or misleading representations of the GI tag.
    • Legal recourse against infringement or unfair competition.

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.

  • Paris Convention: The Paris Convention for the Protection of Industrial Property (1883) provides a multilateral framework for the protection of industrial property rights, including geographical indications.
    • It establishes the principles of national treatment and the right of priority.
  • Lisbon System: The Lisbon Agreement for the Protection of Appellations of Origin and their International Registration (1958) establishes an international registration system for appellations of origin, a specific type of GI.
    • It provides a centralised filing procedure and ensures protection for all contracting parties.
  • Madrid System: The Madrid System for the International Registration of Marks, while primarily focused on trademarks, can also be utilised for the protection of geographical indications through the registration of collective or certification marks.

Legal Framework and Governance:

    • GI is governed under the Agreement on TRIPS at the World Trade Organisation (WTO).
    • The Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act, 1999 seeks to provide for the registration and better protection of geographical indications relating to goods in India.
    • Paris Convention emphasises protecting industrial property and geographical indications in Articles 1(2) and 10.

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:

  • Promotion and protection: It promotes and safeguards the unique products and traditional knowledge of various regions, contributing to rural development and empowerment.
  • Marketability and competitiveness: It enhances the credibility/marketability and competitiveness of Indian products in the global market.
  • Preservation of cultural heritage: It preserves the cultural heritage and traditional practices associated with the production of these products.
  • Prevention of misappropriation: It prevents misappropriation and misuse of traditional knowledge by unauthorized parties.
  • Sustainable practices and environmental conservation: It encourages sustainable production practices and environmental conservation in the designated regions.

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:

  • The establishment of the Geographical Indications Registry, which is responsible for processing and registering GI applications.
  • The criteria for registering a GI, include the association between the product and its geographical origin, and the reputation or quality attributable to that origin.
  • The duration of protection is initially 10 years but can be renewed indefinitely.
  • Provisions for enforcing GI rights, including civil and criminal penalties for infringement.
  • Provisions for registering authorised users and associations of producers.

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:

  • Protect the collective rights of producers and communities associated with a particular product.
  • Prevent the misuse or misappropriation of a product’s reputation or characteristics by unauthorized parties.
  • Contribute to the preservation of traditional knowledge and cultural heritage.
  • Promote fair trade practices and sustainable development in rural communities.

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

- 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.

Source:


Pradhan Mantri Suryodaya Yojana

Recently, Prime Minister announced Pradhan Mantri Suryodaya Yojana under which 1 crore households will get rooftop solar power systems. India’s Status of Current Solar Capacity India currently stands at 4th place globally in solar power capacity. As per Ministry of New an

Foreign Contribution Regulation Act (FCRA)- NGO 

The Foreign Contribution Regulation Act, 2010 (FCRA) registration of two prominent non-governmental organisations (NGOs) — Centre for Policy Research (CPR) and World Vision India (WVI) have been cancelled this month. What is FCRA? Key provisions of FCRA, 2010 Key aspects Description

Voice clone-AI

Voice clone fraud has been on the rise in India. AI voice cloning – It is the process of creating a synthetic replica of a person’s voice through machine learning and speech synthesis technology.It is called as voice deepfakesor audio deepfakes. Objective – To achieve a high level of na

Science communication- how to promote

Steps taken by India to promote Science Communication Publications and Information Directorate (PID) - An organisation under Council of Science and Industrial Research (CSIR) established in 1951 for publishing and disseminating scientific information in India. National science magazines- The PI

Universal Basic Income (UBI)- Analysis

Universal Basic Income (UBI) can strengthen welfare architecture and unlock the nation’s latent demographic potential. UBI - It is an income support mechanism typically intended to reach all or a very large portion of the population regardless of their earnings or employment status. Objective- To provide enough to co

Toppers

Search By Date

Newsletter Subscription
SMS Alerts

Important Links

UPSC GS Mains Crash Course - RAW Prelims Answer Key 2024