Why in the News?

Union Minister of Commerce & Industry has announced an ambitious target to achieve 10,000 Geographical Indication (GI) tags by 2030.

About Geographical Indications (GI) Tags

• A GI is a sign identifying a product as originating from a specific geographical location, possessing qualities, reputation, or characteristics inherently linked to that origin.
• It is governed by the Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act, 1999, effective from September 2003.
• It is defined under Article 22(1) of the WTO’s TRIPS Agreement.
• It is managed by the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), Ministry of Commerce and Industry.
• GI tags are valid for 10 years and can be renewed upon expiry.
• Darjeeling Tea was the first product to receive a GI tag in 2004–05.
• Purpose and Benefits:
  • Protects the identity of unique products linked to specific regions.
  • Promotes economic development, cultural preservation, and export potential.

Procedural Implementation and Recognition of GI’s:

• Authority for GI Tags:
  • The Controller-General of Patents, Designs and Trade Marks, under the Trade Marks Act, 1999, serves as the Registrar of Geographical Indications.
  • The register for GIs is divided into:

1. Part A: Registration of GIs.
2. Part B: Registration of authorized users.

• Application Process:
  • Applications can be made by individuals, associations of persons, producers, or authorized organizations representing the producers’ interests.
  • Applications must include details about the product’s quality, nature, reputation, geographical environment, manufacturing process, natural and human factors, and a map of the production territory.
• Scrutiny and Decision:
  • The Registrar conducts a preliminary review for deficiencies, with applicants given one month to address any issues.
  • Accepted applications are advertised in the GI Journal, inviting objections.
  • If unopposed, a certificate of registration is granted.
• Timeframe:
  • Registration must be completed within 12 months; otherwise, the Registrar may abandon the application after notifying the applicant.

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