What is GI Tags?

Geographical Indication (GI) is a form of intellectual property, a certificate given to certain products or products of a particular region or country that is unique to a particular geographical area. As a member of the World Trade Organization (WTO), India introduced the Geographical Indications for Goods (Registering and Protection) Act, 1999 with effect from 15 September 2003.

Like all intellectual property rights, a geographical indication does not is required, the physical property creates a legal claim to the future benefits associated with it through special rights and privileges. Geographical indications are usually agriculture products, natural products or manufactured products such as handicrafts etc. It is a sign or symbol to identify a specific product.

Geographical indications are an integral part of the development that promotes economic interests. These features are a means to protect the property rights of natural resources and industrial products. Geographical indications cannot be sold, leased, or transferred because they are co-owned by the government. Products with the GI market prevent unauthorized use of the products and increase the economic benefit of the products exporting the products.

A geographical Indication is granted under the Geographical Indications for Goods (Registration and Protection) Act, of 1999.  The request for geographical indications is open to all producers or organizations of goods. The application must be accompanied by a geographical map of the country or territory where the goods are produced and the category of goods to which it applies. The application must be in the prescribed format and the special payment must be signed.

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How GI Tags is Granted In India?

A geographical Indication is granted under the Geographical Indications for Goods (Registration and Protection) Act, of 1999.  The request for geographical indications is open to all producers or organizations of goods. The application must be accompanied by a geographical map of the country or territory where the goods are produced and the category of goods to which it applies. The application must be in the prescribed format and the special payment must be signed.

The application will be reviewed and processed by teams of authorities. To claim rights to such an indication, registration of the geographical indication is mandatory. A product with a GI tag prevents unauthorized use of the products and increases the financial profit of the producers from the export of the products. The price of a product with GI tags increases in the international market when exports increase. Section 21 of the Geographical Indications Act states that registration gives the right to sue for infringement. Clause 23 confirms that there is prima facie evidence of ownership and suitability of the GI tag.

Why should we obtain Geographical Indication Protections

Many people and associations in various parts of the world are often confused when considering whether geographical indications are worth protecting or not. Some of the benefits of registering a GI are as follows to help you understand its importance.

• Promotes Economic Growth: Protection of GIs leads to the overall economic well-being of producers. In addition, the marketing and promotion of GI products in the region promotes secondary economic activity, which in turn promotes regional economic development. Finally, the protection of GIs creates a positive image and image of the product in the eyes of consumers and rewards producers with incentives and better ROI.
• Prevent Unauthorised Use of GI Tag: The registered owner of the service GI Tags has all legal rights to prevent anyone who does not belong to the GI area from using its GI Tags. Owners can also take legal action against unauthorized users to protect their reputations from damage.
• Plan your Business: The main purpose of registering a Geographical Indication is to claim and protect products produced in a specific geographical area, which further encourages marketers to expand their business globally. In addition, the protection of geography indicates an increase in exports and helps producers earn well.
• More Tourism: Protection of Geographical indications creates a global reputation for products. People around the world notice different GI products from different regions and are encouraged to visit and use those regions. Therefore, it also contributes to the growth of the tourism industry in the region.

Significance of Geographical Indications In India

• Authenticity and Quality Assurance: The GI tag acts as a seal of authenticity and ensures that the products with this distinction come from the selected region. For example, Alphonso mangoes, known as the “King of Mangoes” are prized for their unparalleled taste and aroma. The GI tag protects consumers from counterfeits and ensures that the Alphonso mangoes they consume are genuine quality mangoes grown in areas of Maharashtra known for their ideal climate, soil composition, and traditional cultivation techniques.
• Legacy and Conventional Information: GI tags perceive and safeguard items established in ages of customary information and social practices. GI tags recognize and protect products rooted in generations of traditional knowledge and cultural practices. Alphonso mangoes and Sapota GIs of Maharashtra celebrate the historical importance of these fruits and their role in local agricultural practices and culinary traditions. It emphasizes intergenerational wisdom, agricultural techniques, and knowledge that have been passed on down through the ages and contribute to the preservation of cultural heritage.
• Unique Terriors and Characteristics: The GI tags emphasize the influence of the region of land on different regions, characteristic of the area of the product Alphonso Mangoes owe their exceptional taste, aroma, and texture to the region’s special contribution of climate, soil, and geography. Similarly, the Sapota of Maharashtra has a distinctive taste, texture, and sweetness due to the unique environmental factors prevailing in the region.
• Sustainability and nature conservation: The GI tags promote sustainable practice sustainable practices by encouraging the conservation of traditional agriculture techniques, biodiversity, and natural resources. Valuing and protecting the distinctiveness of the products of the region. GI tags play an important role in preserving original plant varieties, promoting environmentally friendly farming methods, and preserving the local ecosystem.

Famous Case Studies About GI Tags in India

Darjeeling Tea: Known for its exquisite taste and aroma, Darjeeling tea was one of the first products in India to receive the G.I. tag in 2004. GI. tag ensures that only tea produced in the Darjeeling region can be tagged as Darjeeling tea. This protection protects the unique qualities of Darjeeling tea prevents unauthorized use of the name, preserves its reputation, and supports the local tea industry.

Banarasi Silk: Known for its intricate weave and luxurious texture, Banarasi Silk was awarded the G.I. tag in 2009. G.I. - the label ensures that only silk produced in Varanasi (Banaras) using traditional techniques can be sold as "Banarasi silk". This certification protects the heritage of Banarasi silk and helps artisans preserve their craft by preventing fake products from diluting the market.

Alphonso Mango: Often hailed as the "King of Mangoes," Alphonso Mango received the G.I. tag in 2010. G.I. The label identifies the Alphonso Mango as a unique variety grown in certain regions of Maharashtra and Gujarat. This safeguard protects the reputation and quality of Alphonso Mangoes, prevents mislabeling, and ensures that consumers receive authentic Alphonso Mangoes.

Pashmina Shawls: Known for their fine texture and warmth, Pashmina Shawls received the G.I. tag in 2008. G.I. The label ensures that shawls made from pure Pashmina wool from the Changthang region of the highlands of Jammu and Kashmir are certified "Pashmina Shawls". This safeguard protects traditional crafts, prevents counterfeiting of products, and supports the livelihood of local artisans.

Nagpur Orange: Famous for its pungent taste and vibrant color, Nagpur Orange received the G.I. label in 2014. G.I.  tag means that oranges grown in Nagpur, Maharashtra have unique characteristics due to the region's climate and soil. This certification protects Nagpur Orange's reputation and helps growers market their produce effectively.

Initiatives taken to promote Geographical Indication Tags

The Government of India has taken several initiatives to promote Geographical Indications tagged products:

• The Geographical Indications of Goods( Registration and Protection ) Act was passed in 1999 to provide a legal framework for the protection of GIs in 
• India
• The Geographical Indications Registry was established in Chennai for right holders to register their geographical indications
• The Department of Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) has conducted various initiatives to promote GI-tagged products.
• The Directorate General of Trade (DGFT) has been instrumental in promoting India’s exports, including GI-tagged products
• The Government has established various Export Promotion Councils (EPCs) to cater to the specific requirements of different export products, including those with GI tags
• DPIIT organized the “India Geographical Indications(GI)Fair 2022” to promote GI-tagged products 
• The Government has additionally offered monetary help to qualified associations for advancing Geographical tags

Conclusion

Geographical Indication (GI) is a status given to a product that is located only in and originates from a certain area or region. The scope of geographical indications extends to all the following categories of goods: agricultural products, natural products, and industrial products. The GI tag is a key component in developing and maintaining product summaries and the nature and characteristics of the product. This increases the probability that a certain item will reach the market. India is making rapid progress towards legal protection of this aspect of intellectual property.

Currently, producers in different regions of different regions usually produce different goods, but it seems rather laborious to provide each product with a geographical indication. Because officials must consider many factors when listing a product as a geographical indication, not all goods deserve the designation. Manufacturers must ensure that their products meet standards set by the government or other authorities to obtain a GI. Hopefully, the above benefits have helped you understand the important role that GI protection plays in our lives. GI tag is useful not only to the producers but also to the customers and the people.