India Sets Ambitious Target to Register 10,000 Geographical Indication Products by 2030

Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal has announced an ambitious goal to increase India's registered geographical indication (GI) products from 605 to 10,000 by 2030. A GI tag is given to products that originate from a specific location, often indicating quality and uniqueness tied to that area. This designation lasts for ten years and can be renewed, offering legal protection and boosting exports.

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The minister highlighted the importance of promoting GI products on platforms like the GeM government e-marketplace and urged e-commerce companies to support these goods. To achieve the target, a committee will be established to oversee the process. Goyal stated, "We have a very ambitious plan going forward...we have set a target that we should have 10,000 GI registrations."

Strengthening Workforce for GI Registration

To support this initiative, the government is expanding the workforce at the Office of the Controller General of Patents, Designs and TradeMarks (CGPDTM). Currently, 500 new employees have been hired, with plans to recruit another 500 in the next couple of years. This expansion aims to streamline the registration process for GI products.

The registration process involves several steps: filing an application, preliminary scrutiny and examination, issuing a show cause notice, publication in the geographical indications journal, opposition to registration, and finally, registration. Associations or organisations representing producers can apply for GI status to protect their interests legally.

Global Context and Legal Framework

India's Geographical Indications of Goods Registration & Protection Act came into effect on September 15, 2003. Under international agreements like the Paris Convention and WTO's TRIPS agreement, GIs are recognised as part of Intellectual Property Rights (IPRs). Countries such as China have already granted over 10,000 GI tags, while Moldova has more than 3,000.

Famous Indian products with GI tags include Basmati rice, Darjeeling Tea, Mysore Silk, and Kashmir Walnut Wood Carving. These tags prevent unauthorised use of the product name by others. The minister also mentioned simplifying processes for obtaining IPR approvals.

Identifying Potential Products

Ganesh Hingmire, Chairman of Great Mission Group Society (GMGS), stressed the need to identify potential products across states and union territories that could receive GI tags. He emphasised increasing awareness about these products within India as a crucial step towards achieving the target. "We should take this as a mission," Hingmire stated.

The initiative aims to spread awareness about GI products in every state and district over the next five years. By doing so, it hopes to enhance recognition and appreciation for India's diverse cultural heritage through its unique products.