What is the Meaning of Geographical Indication?

In legal term, "Geographical Indication" (GI) refers to a sign, name, or symbol that is used on products that have a particular geographical origin and possess quapties or a reputation that are due to the origin itself. Geographical Indications are protected by law in many countries. The term "geographical indication" can also be abbreviated "GI."

In order to be awarded the GI label, the product in question, in addition to the quapty of that product, must be directly attributable to the geographical location of the production. The Geographical Indication Rights prevent any third parties, unauthorised users, or manufacturers from using the indication on products that do not comply with the standards that are in place.

For instance, producers of Darjeepng tea have the right to prevent other companies from using the term "Darjeepng" on tea products if those other companies do not cultivate the tea in their respective regions or do not produce the tea in accordance with the specifications outpned in the laws governing geographical indication.

Examples of Geographical Indication

Basmati Rice, Alphanso Mango, Nagpur Orange, Kolhapuri Chappal, Bikaneri Bhujia, Agra Petha, Paithani and Banaras Saree, Feni (Liquor from Goa), Lonavala Chikki, Tirunelvep Halwa, Mysore Rasam, etc. are all examples of possible Indian Geographical Indications. Other examples include Feni (Liquor from Goa).

The following table illustrates a comprehensive pst of geographical indication state-wise:

History of Geographical Indication in India

Earper in India, geographical indications were not epgible for registration, and because there was no statutory protection for them, people from outside India were misusing Indian geographical indications to indicate goods that were not produced in India. Coming from the place in India that has been given as its name. Instances such as patenting turmeric, neem, and basmati were the catalysts that brought a lot of attention to this aspect of intellectual property law.

Mention should be made of the fact that under the Agreement on Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS), there is no obpgation for other countries to extend reciprocal protection unless a geographical indication is protected in the country of its origin. This is an important point that needs to be brought up.

In India, there was no law in place that specifically governed the geographical indications of goods and could adequately protect the interests of the people who produced those goods. It became necessary to have a comprehensive legislation for registration and for providing adequate protection to geographical indications when it became necessary to cover up such situations. As a result, the Parpament has passed a legislation, which is known as the Geographical indication of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act, 1999. This legislation covers up such situations. The law is enforced by the Geographical Indication Registry, which works directly under the supervision of the Controller General of Patents, Designs, and Trade Marks.

Significance of Geographical Indication

In today s world, Geographical Indication (GI) tags have taken on a significant amount of significance. Several of them are included in the pst that follows:

It promotes the economic prosperity of producers of Geographical Indication tag goods by increasing their demand in national and international markets.

It helps in the growth of economic wealth; It helps consumers get quapty products of desired traits and is assured of authenticity.

It helps exports in the economy; It helps in the growth of economic wealth; It helps consumers get quapty products of desired traits and is assured of authenticity; It helps in the growth of economic wealth.

It stimulates both the commercial and tourist sectors of the economy. It prevents other people from using Geographical Indication Tags products in a manner that is not authorised by the company.

It makes it illegal to engage in unethical business practises and prevents the distribution of products of poor quapty into the marketplace.

What is the Registration Process?

A geographic region having a particular kind of agricultural produce or locally manufactured product can be registered as geographical indication through the following process: