Geographical Indication (GI) tags are issued by which ministry? A

SOLUTION

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. The GI tag conveys an assurance of quality and uniqueness which is particularly attributable to its defined geographical locality. A Geographical Indication tag provides the beholder with the right to use the indication to prevent its use by a third party whose product does not conform to the applicable standards and are of different origin. It helps discern a tagged product from other competing products in the market.

Geographical indication tag is provided by the Office of the Controller General of Patents, Designs and Trade Marks, Union ministry of commerce & industry under statutory provisions of Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection Act), 1999. GI tag is valid for a period of 10 years after which it can again be renewed. The first product to get a GI tag in India was the Darjeeling Tea in 2004.

Geographical Indications protection is granted through the WTO’s Agreement on Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS) Agreement. GIs are covered as an element of Intellectual Property Rights (IPR).

 “Palani Panchamirtham”, given as prasadam at Murugan temple in Palani, Tamil Nadu, has been granted Geographical Indication (GI) tag.