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Geographical Indications (GI) 🌍

Definition: A Geographical Indication (GI) is a sign used on products that have a specific geographical origin and possess qualities or reputation due to that origin.

Simple Terms: A special tag for products that come from a specific place and have unique quality because of that place.

Example: Darjeeling Tea can only be called so if it's grown in Darjeeling (West Bengal). Tea from Assam cannot be sold as "Darjeeling Tea".

Famous GI Products in India 🇮🇳

  1. Darjeeling Tea (West Bengal) - First Indian GI (2003).
  2. Basmati Rice (Punjab, Haryana, UP, Himachal).
  3. Alphonso Mango (Maharashtra).
  4. Mysore Silk (Karnataka).
  5. Kanchipuram Silk (Tamil Nadu).
  6. Tirupati Laddu (Andhra Pradesh).
  7. Hyderabadi Biryani (Telangana).
  8. Kashmir Pashmina (J&K).
  9. Bikaneri Bhujia (Rajasthan).
  10. Rasgulla (West Bengal) - After fight with Odisha!

Purpose of GI Tag 🎯

  1. Prevent Misuse: Stop fake products from using the name.
  2. Protect Reputation: Maintain quality standards.
  3. Promote Local Economy: Help local artisans/farmers.
  4. Premium Pricing: GI products can charge more.

Example: Before GI tag, any tea seller could write "Darjeeling Tea" on packets from anywhere. Now only real Darjeeling tea can use this name. → Protects farmers, ensures quality.

GI vs Trademark 🆚

FeatureGeographical IndicationTrademark
Belongs toCommunity/Region (Collective).Individual/Company.
PurposeRegional products.Brand identity.
Transferable?NO (Cannot be sold).YES (Can be bought/sold).
ExampleDarjeeling Tea, Basmati Rice.Nike, Coca-Cola.

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Registration Process 📝

In India: Under Geographical Indications of Goods Act, 1999

Steps:

  1. Application by authorized user (association of producers).
  2. Examination by GI Registry.
  3. Publication (Opposition period).
  4. Registration.

Duration: 10 years (Renewable forever).

Where: Geographical Indications Registry, Chennai.

International GI Examples 🌏

  1. Champagne (France) - Only sparkling wine from Champagne region.
  2. Scotch Whisky (Scotland).
  3. Roquefort Cheese (France).
  4. Tequila (Mexico).
  5. Parmigiano Reggiano (Italy) - Parmesan cheese.

Quiz Time! 🎯

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💡 Final Wisdom: "GI Tag is not just a label. It's the pride of a region and the livelihood of its people!" 🏅

🎉 UNIT III COMPLETE! You have mastered Intellectual Property Rights. From Patents to Pashmina!

Next epic: Unit IV: Management of Companies & Meetings - Corporate Governance! 🏢

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