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GI Tags and Beyond 
GI Tags and Beyond 

May 13, 2022

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Geographical Indicator (GI) is an indication that identifies a good as originating in the territory of a country, or from a region or locality within that territory, where a given quality, reputation, or other characteristics of the good is essentially attributable to its geographic origin. GI provides an assurance of quality and distinctiveness which is an outcome of its place of origin. These serve a special purpose and are used to identify products or articles that originate in a distinctive environment. The GI tags ensure economic growth and helps in marketing the products exclusively.  

Read on for a detailed info on GI tags.  

GI Tags and Beyond  

The geographical indicators (GI) serve a special purpose in the Intellectual Property Rights (IPR). It could be a sign, symbol, or even a name that can be used on the product and can be used for but not limited to agricultural products, artifacts, handicrafts, wine or spirits, and also for industrial goods.  

The GI tags are given to the manufacturers or producers of a region where there is an established and distinguished reputation for their regional produce or products. The tagging of the products not only improves recognition of products locally but also in the international market. The GI tagged items are preferred in the market as they are authentic and directly support the artisans and producers from rural parts of the world in eliminating the third parties selling counterfeit products by using phony credentials. The GI tag also leads to the protection of the rich cultural heritage of a community and preserving the method of manufacture of the articles and growing or collection of raw materials to be used exclusively by the future generations.   

The world-renowned “Darjeeling Tea” is grown in the hilly areas of Darjeeling and has an aroma and flavor that was recognized through a GI tag. The tea grown in Assam or Meghalaya cannot be marketed or sold as Darjeeling tea and producers of Darjeeling Tea can prevent this misuse of the GI tag by following a legal route. 

The process of applying for a GI involves describing the complete process or method. In India, the process of applying GI involves disclosing the details of the special characteristics, and how those standards are maintained. A registered GI is valid for 10 years and can be renewed on payment of a renewal fee.  

GI Tags vs Trademarks  

The Trademarks are often confused with the GI tags; nonetheless, they both serve a different purpose and are not the same. A trademark helps in distinguishing the products/services offered by a company from its competitors. It can be made by combining any word, symbol, design, phrase, smell, and sound and practically any creative combination. On the other hand, a GI tag indicates the origin of the product and hence does not belong to an individual or entity but the entire region or community. The representation of GI and trademark also differs; unlike a trademark, GI cannot use artistic and fancy words. Also, trademarks can be given for services, whereas the GI tag is given to physical products.  

Standards and Registration  

The GI tag gives rights to the producers of a specific region, the right to prevent the use of a GI tag for products not originating in the protected region, and even for the products from the same region if they do not conform to the standards. The GI details down the standards to qualify for the GI tag in the code of practice and hence any products from outside the region where the conditions identified for contributing towards the unique quality are missing cannot use the GI tag.   

The registration and maintenance of the GI tag follow different conventions as per the local rules, however, the GI tag once registered can be renewed later. The registration of a GI tag can be challenged by a third party believing that the registration could be based on faulty evidence and can be damaging to other communities.  

However, the GI tag rules are not universal and hence stand a chance of becoming generic. A tag that is protected in one country may be generic in some other part of the world.  

Check out the list of GI tags in India.  

GI Tags - India

 

   

 


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