Our Geographic Indications identify a good as originating in the territory of a member, or a region or locality in that territory, where a given quality, reputation or other characteristic of the good is essentially attributable to its geographical indications. Where these products are accredited specific criteria essentially attributable to their geographical provenance, the geographical indication becomes, in trade relations, the reliable “carrier” of qualifying product characteristic. Geographical indications are then ascribed the function and importance of trademarks and entitled to legal protection.
The Trade Related Intellectual Property Rights Agreement, 1994, calls for the careful maintenance of the geographical indications to avoid confusion and to ensure the consumers value for their money. It is not fair to charge prices pertinent to a high quality good with certain factors that may be available only of the good was grown at a particular region.
The registration of a Geographical Indication is done as per the rules laid down by the Government of India in the Geographical Indications for Goods(Protection and Registration)Act, 1999.
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