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GEOGRAPHICAL INDICATIONS (GI)
An object with a definite geographical origin and characteristics or a reputation attributed to that origin is labeled with a geographical indication (GI).
For a sign to function as a GI, it must specify that a product originates from a particular place. Furthermore, the primary source of the product’s qualities, attributes, or reputation should be its place of origin.
Geographic indicators in India are governed by the “Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration & Protection) Act, 1999.”
A geographical indicator (GI) is defined as “indications which identify a good as originating in the territory of a member, or a region or locality in that territory, where
a given quality, reputation, or other characteristic of the good is essentially attributable to its geographic origin” in Article 22 (1) of Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS).
• Non-agricultural products like handicrafts that are made using human abilities, local materials, and resources are also eligible for this certification because they contribute to the uniqueness of the product.
Examples of GI Tag in India
• On January 2, 2024, the indigenous people of the Mayurbhanj district of Odisha acquired a Geographical Identification tag for their Similar Kai Chutney, which is manufactured from red weaver ants.
• The Gucci Mushroom, originating from Jammu and Kashmir, has gained attention because to its demand as a GI Tag.
• Additional GI tags from the handicraft industry include Chikri craft, Tweed cloth, Loi blankets from Kishtwar, and Basohli Pashmina & Painting.
| Benefit | Description | Examples |
| Revenue Generation | Increased financial benefits, superior output, and profit sharing | Darjeeling Tea, Basmati Rice |
| Entrepreneurship | promoting talent-based business ventures | Pashmina Shawls (Kashmir) |
| Employment Creation | increasing job prospects | Banarasi Brocades, Bhagalpuri Silk |
| Women Empowerment | Increasing the number of women employment | Warli Paintings, Madhubani Art |
| Preserving Traditions | preserving customs in cuisine, culture, and crafts | Kalamkari Fabric, Alphonso Mango |
Concerns regarding the GI Tags
• The GI Act of 1999 was drafted more than 20 years ago, and it has to be updated on a regular basis to reflect modern issues.
• To facilitate compliance, registration forms and application processing times should be made simpler.
•
In India, the current application approval rate is only at 46%.
• Absence of Commercial Strategy: Inadequate plans for utilizing GIs in international trade.
• Restricted Organized Efforts: Lack of concerted efforts beyond defining uniqueness.
• International Disputes: It appears that GIs get less attention than patents, trademarks, and copyrights, particularly when it comes to products like Basmati rice and Darjeeling tea.
Measures to be adopted
• Digital Literacy: Through NGOs and stakeholders, give GI producers first priority when it comes to digital literacy.
• Ethical Capitalism: Encourage de-urbanization, female workforce participation, social entrepreneurship, and ethical capitalism.
• Mandatory Audits: Conduct audits and meetings with GI producers on a regular basis.
• Organized Marketing: Create an organized marketing strategy to increase the exclusivity and premium status of your goods.
• Legal protection for Geographically Inaccessible Products (GIs) includes protection for traditional knowledge and cultural expression found in the products.