Cell for IPR Promotions and Management (CIPAM) has launched a social media campaign to promote Indian Geographical Indications to make more people aware about the importance of intellectual property rights (IPRs), the commerce and industry ministry said today.
CIPAM, which works under the Department of Industrial Policy and Promotion (DIPP) in the ministry, has started an "#LetsTalkIP" initiative.
A Geographical Indication (GI) is a sign used on products that have a specific geographical origin and possess qualities or a reputation that are due to that origin.
Such a name conveys an assurance of quality and distinctiveness which is essentially attributable to its origin in that defined geographical locality.
Darjeeling Tea, Mahabaleshwar Strawberry, Blue Pottery of Jaipur, Banarasi Sarees and Tirupati Laddus are some of the GIs, the ministry said in a statement.
"GIs are of utmost importance to the country as they are an integral part of India's rich culture and collective intellectual heritage," it said adding the GI tag has granted protection to several hand-made and manufactured products, especially in the informal sector.
"Certain GI products can benefit the rural economy in remote areas, by supplementing the incomes of artisans, farmers, weavers and craftsmen," it added.
The ministry said "our rural artisans possess unique skills and knowledge of traditional practices and methods, passed down from generation to generation, which need to be protected and promoted".
As part of the campaign, CIPAM will put interesting facts and stories related to GIs on its twitter handle "@CIPAM_India" and Facebook page "@CIPAMIndia" using "#LetsTalkIP" hashtag.
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