GI Tags

What is in the News ?

• ‘Basholi Painting’, the famous Pahari miniature style of painting known for its use of bright and bold colours and peculiar facial forms, from Jammu’s Kathua district, has received GI Tag.
• It is among the 33 products that obtained the GI tagging on March 31, the highest ever in a single year.

Geographical Indication

• Geographical Indication (GI) is an indication used to identify goods having special characteristics originating from a definite geographical territory.
• The Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act, 1999 seeks to provide for the registration and better protection of geographical indications relating to goods in India.
• It is governed and directed by the WTO Agreement on Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS).
• It was decided and also stated under Articles 1 (2) and 10 of the Paris Convention that the protection of industrial Property and Geographical Indication are elements of Intellectual Property.
• It is primarily an agricultural, natural or a manufactured product (handicrafts and industrial goods).

Significance of GI Tag

• Once a product gets this tag, any person or company cannot sell a similar item under that name.
• GI registration of a product provides it legal protection and prevention against unauthorised use by others.
• GI tag helps in promoting the exports of the product.
• It also provides comfort to customers about the authenticity of that product.

Two Important GI Tagging of this Year

1. Basholi Painting :
   • It is the first independent GI-tagged product from the Jammu region.
   • It is considered the first school of Pahari paintings.
   • These are painted on paper, cloth, or wood using natural pigments and dyes.
2. Ladakh’s Wood Carving :
   • Ladakh’s wood carving has been known for its intricate designs and unique patterns, which are mostly inspired by Buddhist themes and motifs.
   • The wood carvings are made from local wood such as willow and apricot and they are often used for decorating doors, windows, and other household items.

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