Geographical Indication

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.
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.

Benefits of registration of Geographical Indications

It confers legal protection to Geographical Indications in India
Prevents unauthorised use of a Registered Geographical Indication by others
It provides legal protection to Indian Geographical Indications which in turn boost exports.
It promotes economic prosperity of producers of goods produced in a geographical territory.

Why in News?

In Ladakh, after GI Tag for Apricot (Raktsey Karpo), Pashmina, and Ladakhi Wood Carving, the Geographical Indication Registry, operating under the Ministry of Commerce & Industry, Government of India, has officially granted the GI tag to the Department of Industries & Commerce, Ladakh and approved it as the Registered Proprietor for ‘Ladakh Sea Buckthorn’.
Sea Buckthorn is one of the most profitable crops of UT Ladakh having 90% production from Ladakh in India.

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