What is it?

• In Japan, nihonshu is regarded as a special and valuable beverage made from fermenting rice. People traditionally drink nihonshu on special occasions, such as festivals, weddings or funerals, but it is also consumed on a daily basis.
• Thus, it is an integral part of the lifestyle and culture in Japan.
• For making nihonshu three main raw materials – rice, koji-kin (a type of fungal spore) and water – are required. The rice and koji used should originate in Japan

Why in News:

• The Embassy of Japan, New Delhi, has filed an application seeking a Geographical Indication (GI) tag for nihonshu/Japanese sake, an alcoholic beverage. It is learnt that this is the first time a product from Japan has filed for a tag at the Geographical Indication Registry here.

About 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.
• It should be noted that registration of a product is not compulsory.
  • Registration affords better legal protection to facilitate an action for infringement
  • The registered proprietor and authorised users can initiate infringement actions
  • The authorised users can exercise the exclusive right to use the geographical indication.

Legislations

• 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.

Reference:

1. https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/chennai/geographical-indication-tag-sought-for-nihonshu-an-alcoholic-beverage-from-japan/article66027867.ece