Manual of Geographical Indications Practice Published

The Manual of Geographical Indications Practice and Procedure has been published on 27th July 2011 by the Office of Controller General of Patents, Designs and Trademarks. All the relevant information has been discussed in the manual including the evolution of GI (Geographic Indications), the Geographical Indications of Goods ( Registration and Protection) Act 1999, Filing of GI applications, Examination, Opposition, Authorized  User Registration etc. Readers can access the manual here.

( Image by Jordi Soro)

GI tag for Phulkari work

"Phulkari", Traditional embroidery art from the state of Punjab, is a recent addition to the geographical indication of goods (GI Certificate). Phulkari's and Baghs are worn by women during wedding seasons all over Punjab. It  was considered to be purely a domestic craftsmanship, woven and used by the members of the same family and friends during family weddings and occasions. Since the art became so popular in the Indian Crafts market, Phulkari now hold a good market share with crafts savvy people as buyers.

The legal battle is won after five years of hard labor, with the legal case filed by PIC, (Patent Information Center), Punjab State Council For Science and Technology in the year 2005. As the art is a widespread business in the states of Rajasthan and Haryana, the traders now have to get them registered mandatory for the business and trade related transactions.

(Image courtesy link)