Geographical Indication Tag

India, EU likely to go for comprehensive FTA; GI pacts to follow later

India and the European Union (EU) are likely to agree upon a comprehensive free trade agreement (FTA) instead of an interim deal, an official said on Tuesday. However, the proposed investment treaty and a pact on geographical indications (GI) may not be concluded simultaneously. The official said that the situation remains dynamic in the free trade agreement negotiations. Negotiations for the "comprehensive agreement" between India and the EU are progressing at a rapid pace, and the deal could be concluded before the year-end, the official added. Earlier, there were discussions that an early harvest trade pact may be finalised before going for a comprehensive deal. In June 2022, India and the 27-nation EU bloc resumed negotiations for a comprehensive free trade agreement, an investment protection agreement and a pact on GIs after a gap of over eight years. A GI is primarily an agricultural, natural or manufactured product (handicrafts and industrial goods) originating from a defi

The growing power of geolocation crosses over into conflict zones

Geolocation is a classic example of technology with multiple applications. Amazon, Blinkit, Swiggy, Uber, Lyft, and Google, among others, use it to locate obscure places

Target to register 10,000 GI products by 2030 from current 605: Goyal

Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal on Wednesday set a target to register 10,000 GI (geographical indication) products by 2030 from the current 605. A GI is primarily an agricultural, natural or a manufactured product (handicrafts and industrial goods) originating from a definite geographical territory. Typically, such a name conveys an assurance of quality and distinctiveness, which is essentially attributable to the place of its origin. Once a product gets this tag, any person or company cannot sell a similar item under that name. This tag is valid for a period of 10 years following which it can be renewed. The other benefits of GI registration include legal protection for that item, prevention against unauthorised use by others, and promoting exports. "We have a very ambitious plan going forward...we have set a target that we should have 10,000 GI registrations," Goyal said here at GI Samagam. He said that a committee will be set up to oversee this effort, to take the

Sitars, tanpuras made in Maharashtra's Miraj town get awarded with GI tags

The sitars and tanpuras of Miraj, a small town in Maharashtra's Sangli district known for its craftsmanship in making musical instruments, have been awarded the coveted Geographical Indication (GI) tags. These instruments made in Miraj are much in demand among some of the prominent artistes, including those renowned in the field of classical music as well as film industry, the makers claim. The GI tag denotes the product comes from a particular geographical area, and often enhances its commercial value. The tradition of making sitars and tanpuras in Miraj goes back more than 300 years, with over seven generations of craftsmen having worked towards making these string instruments, the makers say. On March 30, the government of India's intellectual property office issued GI tag to the Miraj Musical Instruments Cluster for its sitars and to the Soultune Musical Instrument Producer firm for tanpuras. The Miraj Musical Instruments Cluster functions as the apex body for both the sitar a

Arunachal's Adi Kekir, handmade carpets & Wancho wooden craft get GI tag

Arunachal Pradesh's ginger, locally known as Adi Kekir, handmade carpets and Wancho wooden craft have secured the Geographical Indication (GI) tag, Chief Minister Pema Khandu has announced. A geographical indication or 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. "Delighted to share that Adi Kekir (Ginger), Handmade Carpet and Wancho Wooden Craft have been granted Geographical Indication (GI) tags. Truly an acknowledgement of the rich cultural heritage and skilled craftsmanship of our state. Let's celebrate and promote our unique traditions," he said here on Thursday. Adi kekir is a variety of ginger produced in East Siang, Siang and Upper Siang districts of Arunachal Pradesh.It is known for its taste and size. The handmade carpets made by Tibetan refugees, who live in various parts of the state, are known for their typical designs, motifs and textures. Wancho wooden craft items are unique

UK stance on agri GI items remains hurdle in FTA talks with India

The UK's demand of a higher level of protection for its GI products from the agriculture sector under the proposed free trade agreement (FTA) with India remains an unresolved issue as the talks for the pact are on to iron out differences, an official said. British GI (Geographical Indication) products include Scotch whisky, Stilton cheese and Cheddar cheese. A GI is primarily an agricultural, natural or manufactured product (handicrafts and industrial goods) originating from a definite geographical territory. Typically, such a name conveys an assurance of quality and distinctiveness, which is essentially attributable to the place of its origin. Once a product gets this tag, any person or company cannot sell a similar item under that name. India normally provides general protection for violation of GI rules, but the UK is seeking a higher level of protection, the official, who did not wish to be named, said. "Negotiations are going on between the two countries. There are some issue

Is India sub-leveraging the advantages of GI tagging?

While the craze for registration of GIs has gained momentum over the past few years, there really has been no strategy for using the tag to commercial advantage

800 farmers, entrepreneurs authorised to use GI tag for 13 NE products

A central government agency has authorised 800 farmers and entrepreneurs to use the Geographical Indication (GI) tag for 13 agricultural products of the northeastern region, an official said. The 13 produces are Arunachal Orange, Tezpur Litchi and Karbi Anglong Ginger of Assam, Kachai Lemon and Chak-Hao' Black Rice of Manipur, Khasi Mandarin orange and Memang Narang orange of Meghalaya, Mizo Chilli of Mizoram, Naga Tree Tomato and Naga Sweet Cucumber of Nagaland, Queen Pineapple of Tripura and Sikkim Large Cardamom and Dalle Khursani chilli of Sikkim. The North Eastern Regional Agricultural Marketing Corporation (NERAMAC), under the DoNER Ministry, will forward the 800 user authorisation applications for usage of these products from the eight NE states to the Geographical Indication Registry, Chennai. NERAMAC Managing Director Commodore Rajiv Ashok (Retd) said on Thursday that the initiative is a significant step towards promoting and protecting the traditional agricultural practice

Mysore Silk, Kangra Tea, Thanjavur Paintings granted GI tag: DPIIT

As many as 429 products like Mysore Silk, Kangra Tea and Thanjavur Paintings have been granted Geographical Indications (GIs) tag as on date, including 31 foreign goods, according to the commerce and industry ministry. The department for promotion of industry and internal trade (DPIIT), an arm of the ministry, said that steps have been taken to promote these goods. "A total of 429 GIs have been registered as on date in India, including 31 foreign products," the DPIIT said in its annual report 2022-23. A GI is primarily an agricultural, natural or a manufactured product (handicraft and industrial goods) originating from a particular geographical territory. Typically, such a name conveys an assurance of quality and distinctiveness, which is essentially attributable to the place of its origin. There is a proper process of registration of GI products, which includes filing of application, preliminary scrutiny and examination, show cause notice, publication in the geographical indicati

Tea Board open to holding talks with ITC to sort out trademark issue

After losing a case in the Calcutta HC against ITC over a trademark issue, the board has appealed to the Division Bench of the same court and it is hopeful that the issue can be sorted out amicably

MP Basmati rice to 'kadaknath' chicken: How tough it is to get a GI tag

The GI Registry on March 15 rejected the Madhya Pradesh government's claim over GI tag for basmati rice