GI TAGS TO VARIOUS PRODUCTS (Syllabus: GS Paper 3 – IPR Policy)

Context: Recently, over 60 products from various regions of India have been granted the Geographical Indication (GI) tag.

Geographical Indications (GI)

• It means: A name or a sign given to certain products that relate to a specific geographical location or origins like a region, town, or country.
• Governed and directed by: World Trade Organisation’s (WTO’s) Agreement on Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS).
• Administered by: Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration & Protection) Act, 1999. 
• Issued by: The Geographical Indications Registry (Chennai) under the Department of Industry Promotion and Internal Trade, Ministry of Commerce and Industry.
• First product with GI tag: Darjeeling tea in the year 2004-05.
• Validity: 10 years following which it can be renewed.
• GI is encompassed within the realm of intellectual property rights (IPRs) according to the provisions of the Paris Convention for the Protection of Industrial Property.
• The World Trade Organization’s Agreement on Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS) also regulates Geographical Indications.

Recent GI Products:

• Assam: Asharikandi terracotta craft, Pani Meteka craft, Sarthebari metal craft, Jaapi (bamboo headgear of rural Assam), Mishing handloom products, Bihu dhol, Bodo Dokhona, Bodo Eri silk, Bodo Jwmgra (a traditional scarf), Bodo Gamsa (traditional dress of Bodo men), Bodo Thorkha (a musical instrument), and Bodo Sifung.
• Uttar Pradesh: Thandai, Banaras Tabla, Banaras Shehnai, Banaras Lal Bharwamirch and Banaras Lal Peda are among the products that walked away with GI tags in this region.
• Tripura region secured two tags: one for the Pachra-Rignai, which is a traditional dress worn on special occasions, and the other for the Matabari Peda, a sweet preparation.
• Meghalaya: Garo Textile’ weaving, which is linked to socio-cultural and religious rituals, and the ‘Meghalaya Lyrnai Pottery’ and ‘Meghalaya Chubitchi’.