The number of registrations for the Geographical Indication (GI) tag for products from Tamil Nadu has dwindled in recent years, according to data from the Geographical Indications Registry.
From a peak of seven GI tags registered during April 2007 to March 2008, registrations are down to just one during April 2017-March 2018.
Overall, 28 products from the State have the GI tag, including Madurai Malli, Kancheepuram Silk, Coimbatore Wet Grinder, Thanjavur Paintings and Mahabalipuram Stone Sculpture, among others.
Seal of quality
A GI tag is a sign used on products that have a specific geographical origin and possess qualities or a reputation by virtue of their geographical association. Such a tag conveys an assurance of quality and distinctiveness which is essentially attributable to the geographical origin of the product. The owner of the GI tag has exclusive rights over the product and can sue others for trying to duplicate the product.
Tamil Nadu lags behind other key States when it comes to GI registrations. Karnataka leads the pack with 42 products possessing the GI tag. Maharashtra and Kerala have 31 GI-tagged products each.
“One of the key reasons for lower registration in Tamil Nadu is the lack of awareness among product makers about the benefits of the GI tag. We have been working on creating awareness, highlighting the benefits of the GI tag,” Chinnaraja G. Naidu, Deputy Registrar of Geographical Indications, told The Hindu .
Sanjai Gandhi, president, Intellectual Property Rights Attorney Association, admitted that lack of awareness was a key reason for the State not having seen many GI registrations in recent years. However, he pointed out that 30 GI applications filed by him for various products were pending. The products for which he had sought a GI tag included Dindigul Locks, Salem Mango, Hosur Rose, Kovilpatti Kadalai Mittai and Thoothukudi Macaroon.
