Two products of Manipur Hathei Chilly & Tamenglong orange have been granted GI tag
Manipur chief minister Nongthombam Biren Singh recently welcomed the decision to grant geographical indication tag to two manipuri products. Manipur’s Tamenglong orange, a species of the mandarin family, and a unique fruit crop found in the state, along with Hathei, a special chilli variety, have acquired the Geographical Indication (GI) tag.
In 2019 , GI tag status for these two products were sought by Manipur Organic Mission Agency (MOMA) which had applied for GI tags for Tamenglong orange and Sirarakhong Hathei chilli .
Sirarakhong village of Ukhrul district of manipur is known for its Hathei chilli, one of the best varieties of chillies with a distinct flavour and colour. While
Tamenglong orange is a unique fruit crop found mostly in Tamenglong district which contributes over 50% of the state’s annual production.
It is mention worthy here that Manipur has been promoting these two produce by celebrating the Orange Festival every December and Sirarakhong Hathei festival every August for over a decade now.
What is GI tag ?
According to World intelectual property organization ( WIPO), A geographical indication (GI) is a sign used on products that have a specific geographical origin and possess qualities or a reputation that are due to that origin. In order to function as a GI, a sign must identify a product as originating in a given place.
In addition, the qualities, characteristics or reputation of the product should be essentially due to the place of origin. Since the qualities depend on the geographical place of production, there is a clear link between the product and its original place of production.
Geographical indications are typically used for agricultural products, foodstuffs, wine and spirit drinks, handicrafts, and industrial products.
What rights does a geographical indication provide ?
A geographical indication right enables those who have the right to use the indication to prevent its use by a third party whose product does not conform to the applicable standards. For example, in the jurisdictions in which the Darjeeling geographical indication is protected, producers of Darjeeling tea can exclude use of the term “Darjeeling” for tea not grown in their tea gardens or not produced according to the standards set out in the code of practice for the geographical indication.
However, a protected geographical indication does not enable the holder to prevent someone from making a product using the same techniques as those set out in the standards for that indication. Protection for a geographical indication is usually obtained by acquiring a right over the sign that constitutes the indication
Important facts on GI tag :
- The registration of a geographical indication is valid for a period of 10 years. It can be renewed from time to time for further period of 10 years each.
- In December 1999, the Parliament had passed the Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act,1999. This Act seeks to provide for the registration and better protection of geographical indications relating to goods in India.
- This Act is administered by the Controller General of Patents, Designs and Trade Marks- who is the Registrar of Geographical Indications. The Geographical Indications Registry would be located at Chennai.
What is the benefit of registration of geographical indications?
- It confers legal protection to Geographical Indications in India
- Prevents unauthorised use of a Registered Geographical Indication by others
- It provides legal protection to Indian Geographical Indications which in turn boost exports.
- It promotes economic prosperity of producers of goods produced in a geographical territory.
