What is a geographical indication?
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.
Geographical indications (GIs) are intellectual property (IP) rights that serve to identify a product that originates from a specific geographical area and that has a quality, reputation, or other characteristics that are essentially attributable to its geographical origin.
Geographical Indications of Goods are defined as that aspect of industrial property which refer to the geographical indication referring to a country or to a place situated therein as being the country or place of origin of that product.
Who issues GI Tag in India? GI tags are issued as per the Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act,1999. This tag is issued by the Geographical Indication Registry under the Department of Industry Promotion and Internal Trade, Ministry of Commerce and Industry.
1. GI tag is name or sign used on certain products which correspond to specific geographical location or origin.
2. The registration of a GI is valid for 20 years after which it needs to be renewed.
432
With this the total number of GI Tags of India comes to 432. The top 5 states holding maximum number of GIs are Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Uttar Pradesh, Karnataka and Kerala.
GI tags may be obtained for agricultural products, handicrafts, textiles, manufactured goods, foodstuffs etc.
Who can apply for the registration of a geographical indication?
Any association of persons, producers, organisation or authority established by or under the law can apply: The applicant must represent the interest of the producers.