GI Tags

Context:

• Recently, 7 products from Odisha have been awarded the Geographical Indication (GI) tag.

What is a GI Tag?

1. Geographical Indication (GI) tags are like special labels with a name or sign for products that come from specific places i.e. the place of origin.
2. These tags highlight that the product has unique qualities or characteristics associated with that particular location such as Darjeeling Tea.
3. GI tags help protect local producers from others using the same name for similar products. For example, Darjeeling tea has a GI tag to show it is authentic and comes from a specific region.
4. It also protects the product from being copied or imitated by others.
5. A GI registration is valid for 10 years and is managed by the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry.
6. It can be extended by renewing it every 10 years.

Who can apply for GI Tag?

1. Individual producers
2. Producer group
3. Associations
4. Government bodies associated with a specific product in a particular geographical location

Legal Framework for GI Tag:

1. Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act, 1999:
   1. It provides the procedures for the registration and protection of GIs for goods.
   2. This law is designed to comply with international standards, including WTO’s TRIPS Agreement.
2. WTO’s TRIPS Agreement (1995):
   1. TRIPS stands for the Agreement on Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights.
   2. It ensures that different kinds of intellectual property, including GIs, are protected by setting minimum standards. Intellectual property includes things created by the mind, like inventions, art, and symbols.

Which products from Odisha have received GI tags?

1. Kapdaganda Shawl
2. Lanjia Saura Painting
3. Koraput Kala Jeera Rice
4. Similipal Kai Chutney (Ant Chutney)
5. Nayagarh Kanteimundi Brinjal
6. Odisha Khajuri Guda (Jaggery)
7. Dhenkanal Magji (Laddu)

Must Check: Best IAS Coaching In Delhi