GI Tags: How does it help?

GS3/GS1 Paper 

 Syllabus: Science and Technology (Issues relating to Intellectual Property Rights)/ Arts and Culture

 Source: BS

 Context: This article explores the significance of Geographic Indication (GI) tags and the challenges faced by India in their effective utilization.

What is a GI Tag?

A geographical indication (GI) is a name or sign used on products which correspond to a specific geographical location or origin. A GI is primarily an agricultural, natural or manufactured product (handicrafts and industrial goods).

Typically, such a name conveys an assurance of quality and distinctiveness (e.g., Basmati Rice), which is essentially attributable to the place of its origin. A GI right prevents non-compliant product standards but allows similar production techniques within the standards by anyone. The registration of a geographical indication is valid for a period of 10 years. It can be renewed from time to time for a further period of 10 years each.

Laws governing the GI tag:

• GIs are covered under the Paris Convention for the Protection of Industrial Property.
• Governed by the WTO’s Agreement on Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS).
• In India, the GI tag is regulated by the Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act, 1999.
  • Administered by the Controller General of Patents, Designs, and Trade Marks, who is also the Registrar of Geographical Indications.

Benefits of GI tags:

Challenges facing India regarding GI-Tags include:

• Lack of Commercial Strategy: Insufficient strategies for leveraging GIs in global markets.
• Limited Organized Efforts: Absence of coordinated efforts beyond establishing distinctiveness.
• Quality Control Neglect: Focus on source indication rather than quality control, as seen with Alphonso Mango.
• Marketing and Branding Gaps: Inadequate promotion, branding, and advertising, exemplified by Basmati rice.
• State Conflicts: Ongoing state-level disputes over GI ownership, as seen in the Rasogolla case.
• Unauthorized Use: Misuse of GIs by unauthorized parties, misleading consumers and hurting genuine producers.
• Revenue Loss: Unfair practices lead to revenue loss for legitimate GI right-holders.
• Ongoing IP Controversy: GI protection remains a contentious issue in intellectual property rights.

The way forward:

• Digital Literacy: Prioritize digital literacy for GI producers through NGOs and stakeholders.
• Ethical Capitalism: Promote ethical capitalism, social entrepreneurship, de-urbanization, and female workforce inclusion.
• Mandatory Audits: Implement regular audits and consultations with GI producers.
• Organized Marketing: Develop organized marketing and enhance product exclusivity and premium status
• Legal protection to GIs: It also extends to the protection of traditional knowledge and traditional cultural expression contained in the products.

Conclusion:

GIs have the potential to be our growth engine. Policy-makers must pay heed to this and give Indian GI products their true reward

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 Geographical Indication tags

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