GEOGRAPHICAL INDICATIONS IN INDIA: STRENGTHENING PROTECTION AND COMMERCIALIZATION

Abstract

The realm of Geographical Indications (GIs) in India embodies a diverse tapestry of traditional knowledge, cultural heritage, and regional identities, fostering distinctiveness in products closely tied to their geographical origins. This comprehensive exploration delves into the mechanisms aimed at bolstering the protection and commercialization of GIs within the Indian context, unravelling the multifaceted dimensions and imperatives surrounding their recognition, safeguarding, and economic valorisation. Geographical Indications, a form of intellectual property, play a pivotal role in preserving the unique qualities and cultural heritage associated with products originating from specific geographical regions. In India, GIs not only confer legal protection but also serve as vehicles for rural development, socio-economic empowerment, and the promotion of traditional craftsmanship. The enactment of the Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act, 1999, was a seminal step toward formalizing the protection of GIs, offering legal sanctity to products profoundly rooted in regional landscapes, history, and traditions. This analysis delves into the nuanced intricacies of the registration process, highlighting the stringent criteria and procedural intricacies necessitated for acquiring GI status. The evolving landscape emphasizes collaborative efforts involving stakeholders, governmental bodies, and local communities to navigate the complex terrain of GI registration, emphasizing authenticity, and preventing misappropriation. Moreover, the commercialization of GIs emerges as a pivotal facet, ensuring economic sustenance and global recognition for local producers. Initiatives fostering market linkages, branding strategies, and quality assurance mechanisms play a pivotal role in enhancing the commercial viability of GI-tagged products, creating value chains that benefit both producers and consumers.