Nine new items from various states such as Gamosa of Assam, Tandur Redgram of Telangana, Raktsey Karpo Apricot of Ladakh, Alibag White Onion of Maharashtra etc. have been added to the present list of Geographical Indications (GIs) of India. With this the total number of GI Tags of India has risen to 432.
A geographical indication (GI) is a sign used on products that have a specific geographical origin and possess qualities or a reputation that are due to that origin. In order to function as a GI, a sign must identify a product as originating in a given place. In addition, the qualities, characteristics or reputation of the product should be essentially due to the place of origin. Since the qualities depend on the geographical place of production, there is a clear link between the product and its original place of production (WIPO).
A geographical indication (GI) is a form of Intellectual Property Right (IPR) that enables those who have the right to use the indication to prevent its use by a third party whose product does not conform to the applicable standards. However, it does not enable the holder to prevent someone from making a product using the same techniques as those set out in the standards for that geographical indication.
Unlike trademark which identifies a good or service as originating from a particular company, a geographical indication (GI) identifies a good as originating from a particular place. A GI sign is usually used for agricultural products, foodstuffs, wine and spirit drinks, handicrafts, and industrial products.
Geographical indications (GIs) are protected in different countries and regional systems through a variety of approaches such as sui generis systems (i.e., special regimes of protection); using collective or certification marks; methods focusing on business practices, including administrative product approval schemes; and through unfair competition laws.
In India, for GI registration, a product or a good should fall within the scope of Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act, 1999 or GI Act, 1999. The Geographical Indications Registry in Intellectual Property Office of India is the body responsible for registration.
India’s GI List includes items like Darjeeling Tea, Mysore Silk, Madhubani Paintings, Thanjavur Paintings, Malabar Pepper, East India Leather, Malda Fazli Mango, Kashmir Pashmina, Lucknow Chikan Craft, Feni, Tirupathi Laddu, Scoth whisky manufactured in Scotland, etc. Full list can be viewed on Registered Gls.
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 of India. With this the total number of GI Tags of India has risen to 432.){kind=link}