Why is it in the news?
- Various products from States/UTs like Odisha, Arunachal Pradesh, West Bengal, Jammu and Kashmir, and Gujarat have received the Geographical Indications (GI) tag.
| States/UTs | GI Tagged Products |
| Odisha | – Lanjia Saura paintings |
| – Dongaria Kondh shawl | |
| – Khajuri Guda | |
| – Dhenkanal Magji | |
| – Similipal Kai Chutney | |
| – Nayagarh Kanteimundi Brinjal | |
| – Koraput Kalajeera Rice | |
| Arunachal Pradesh | – Handmade Carpets |
| – Wancho Wooden Craft | |
| – Adi Kekir (Ginger) | |
| West Bengal | – Tangail Saree |
| – Garad Saree | |
| – Korial Saree | |
| – Kalonunia Rice | |
| – Sundarban Honey | |
| Jammu and Kashmir | – Ramban Anardana |
| Gujarat | – Kachchhi Kharek |
GI Tag
About:
- A GI is a distinctive sign used on products originating from a specific geographical region, possessing qualities or a reputation attributable to that origin.
- Covered under the Paris Convention for the Protection of Industrial Property as part of Intellectual Property Rights (IPRs).
- Also included in the WTO’s Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS) Agreement.
GI Registration in India:
- Administered by the Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act of 1999.
- Identifies agricultural, natural, or manufactured goods.
- GIs are registered by the Registrar of Geographical Indications (RGI).
- RGI operates under the jurisdiction of the Controller-General of Patents, Designs, and Trade Marks.
- Initial registration is valid for 10 years.
- Option for renewal is available for continued protection.
- Overseen by the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry.
Significance:
- Confers legal protection against unauthorized use.
- Boosts exports by leveraging the geographical reputation.
- Provides assurance of quality and distinctiveness.
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