GI Tag

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.
It is used for agricultural, natural and manufactured goods. Darjeeling tea became the first GI tagged product in India.
The registration of GI is valid for 10 years after which it needs to be renewed.

In India, GI is given under the Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act, 1999.
The Act is administered by the Controller General of Patents, Designs & TradeMarks, GI (CGPDTM-India) under the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade, Ministry of Commerce and Industry.
India enacted its GI legislation to comply with India’s obligations under the Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS) agreement.
GI registration gives to the registered proprietor and its authorized users, the legal right to the exclusive use of the GI and also the right to obtain relief in case of its infringement.
GI is a collective intellectual property right and is thus owned by all the producers within the defined GI territory unlike intellectual properties like patent and trademark which are owned by an individual or a business entity.

Kashmir saffron, which is cultivated and harvested in the Karewa (highlands) of Jammu and Kashmir, has received the GI tag by the Geographical Indications Registry.

Iran is the largest producer of saffron and India is a close competitor. With the GI tag, Kashmir saffron would gain more prominence in the export market and would help farmers get the best remunerative price.
It is the only saffron in the world grown at an altitude of 1,600 m to 1,800 m AMSL (above mean sea level).
The GI certification would also stop adulteration prevalent in the trade of Kashmir saffron.

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