ATIRA to file patents for 'Bandhani', 'Dabhda'

The traditional crafts of Gujarat--'Bandhani' (tie and dye craft) and 'Dabhda' (handwoven shawls of Kutch), will soon be patented under the Geographical Indication(GI) Act, a top official of Ahmedabad Textile Industry Research Association(ATIRA) said today.

"We have completed the documentation for Bandhani of Saurashtra and Dabhda of Kutch, and very soon will be filing patent applications for the crafts under GI Act at Chennai," said RM Sankar, principal scientific officer of ATIRA.

The project, "Intellectual Property Protection through GI Act for Bandhani (Tie&Dye) and Dabhda of Gujarat", is in advanced stages after formation of association of the stake holders in Jamnagar and Kutch respectively, and preparation of the document is required to file patent under GI, he said.

ATIRA also plans to apply for the GI patent for Patan district's 'Patola',another famous traditional saree craft in the state. However, it got delayed due to infighting in the traditional family members who are expert in making 'Patola'.

"We will convene meetings of stake holders of Patola fabric in Patan, and are hopeful of resolving the dispute over the craft through sensitising them about the relevance of protecting this traditional craft by GI patent," Sankar said.

"Currently, the Salvi family of Patan which has the trade secrets for manufacturing Patola is not willing to pass on the know how of this craft even to next generation, due to business rivalry," he added .