GI tag & Tamil Nadu Sarees

Why in News?

Recently, the cultural and economic significance of Tamil Nadu’s GI-tagged sarees has gained renewed attention.

• Geographical Indication (GI) tag – It is a sign used on products that have a specific geographical origin and possess qualities, reputation, or characteristics attributable to that origin.
• Categories - Covers agricultural products (e.g., Darjeeling tea), handicrafts (e.g., Banarasi sarees), food items, and industrial products.
• GI tagged products can be natural or man-made.
• It serves as an intellectual property right, ensuring only authorized users can use the name, protecting against imitation.

The first product in India to be accorded the GI tag was Darjeeling Tea in the year 2004-05.

• Legal Protection - In India, these are registered and protected under the Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act, 1999.
• Validity – A GI tag is valid for 10 years, after which it must be renewed.
• Ownership – Any trader's body, association, or organization can apply for a GI tag.
• Penalty for GI infringement – Imprisonment for a term of 6 months to 2 years and a fine of Rs 50,000 to 2 lakhs.
• Global Recognition - It is defined under Articles 23 and 24 of the Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS) Agreement of the World Trade Organisation (WTO).
  • India signed the TRIPS Agreement in 1994, becoming a member on January 1, 1995, and formally committed to its standards.

As of now, Uttar Pradesh (77) has the highest number of GI tags products, followed by Tamil Nadu (74), and Karnataka (around 45).

GI Tagged Sarees in Tamil Nadu

References

1. TimesNow | GI Tagged Saree of Tamil Nadu
2. Intellectual Property India | Government of India