Significance of GI tag

Did you ever wonder about the significance of the GI tag? An acronym for Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration & Protection) Act, 1999 has come into force with effect from 15 September 2003. This tag or patent came into effect as India became a member of WTO. The official definition says, “Indications which identify a good as originating in the territory of a member, or a region or a locality in that territory, where a given quality, reputation or characteristic of the good is essentially attributable to its geographic origin.” The GI tag ensures that none other than those registered as authorised users are allowed to use the popular product name. Darjeeling tea became the first GI tagged product in India, in 2004-05, since then by September 2010, 132 had been added to the list.

The latest to get this tag is ‘Madurai Malli’, the popular jasmine flower known for its heady fragrance and international reputation bringing special fame to the temple city of Madurai. The registration gives legal protection for the growers who need not go for further individual registration and those involved in the cultivation were only entitled to use the word “Madurai Malli’’. Unauthorised use of the registration would lead to two years imprisonment and a fine of up to Rs.one lakh.

Others who have the GI tag are – Gutur Sannam Chilli, Tirupati laddu, Hyderabadi haleem, Gadwal sarees, Bikaneri Bhujia, Kancheepuram silk sarees, Coimbatore wet grinders, carpets from Bhadoi, Banarasi brocade sarees, Meerut scissors, strawberries from Mahableshwar, Paithani sarees, Mysore sandal soap and many more such intriguing products, unique to its geography and topography.