Service for the Protection of Geographical Indication Marks


Commodities that have unique origins and traditional values have always been cherished by people worldwide. These commodities are often connected with certain locations and are distinguished by the use of Geographical Indication (GI) Marks. In order to guarantee their genuineness and to shield them from being misused, the Geographical Indication Mark Protection Services have been in place. These are services that have been put in place to guarantee the identity, origin, and quality of GI-tagged products so that they are not played with or threatened through legal and investigative means by professionals.

What Is a Geographical Indication (GI) Mark?

A Geographical Indication (GI) Mark is the way of choosing a particular part of the world as the source for the product where the reputation, the quality, or a certain feature is essentially attributed to its geographical origin. Some of the examples include Darjeeling tea, Kanjeevaram silk, Nagpur oranges, and Mysore sandalwood.

One of the definitions given by the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) is that the GI Mark Protection Services enables the product to be protected, and it represents a form of a trademark. The Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act, 1999 in India is the law that regulates the registration and protection of GI Marks.

Why Protection Services Are Necessary

Trademark products with GI Mark often get counterfeited, Gi Mark infringing product owner's rights. False labeling is commonly familiar, and complaints have been seen far and wide. Not only does such actions deceive consumers, but it also impedes legitimate producers from getting the benefits they deserve.

In order to tackle the issue, various protection services from legal firms and investigation agencies are available. The following are some of the services offered:

  • Authentication Control

  • Surveillance of Markets

  • Disguised Products Identification

  • Exercising Legal Entitlements

  • Preservation of Cultural Heritage

By availing themselves of such services, new-product pioneers and associations can protect their brand image and make sure that their customers get genuine products. 

Key Points of GI Mark Protection Services

1. Market Surveillance and Monitoring

A constant eye is always kept on the market so that any unauthorized use of the protected GI marks can be quickly detected. Both sellers and products that are not original are identified. The process of detection can be implemented using the information that is accumulated. Legal action to be taken, if needed, is thoroughly described and analyzed and followed through.

2. Legal Enforcement and Compliance

The legal team is responsible for ensuring the rights of the GI are not infringed upon. Notices have to be sent, and prosecutor's offices have to be engaged if any violation is detected. Furthermore, to the extent of being able to seize fake products, the cooperation that has been achieved with sources such as the Geographical Indications Registry, customs officers, and local police should not be underestimated.

3. Product Authentication and Verification

Experts from the technical field will check whether the product under suspicion's source conforms to the finding of the experts. The above-mentioned result of the initial sampling and testing can be provided only if there is less of an effect from modern technical and traditional deficiencies and confusion as of these specific features. Before the new label, a sample is examined and a test is conducted according to the accepted method and the registered specifications. This way, we will really find out if the product is authentic or falsely labeled.

4. Training and Awareness

Workshops, as well as seminars, are the most effective ways to reach out and teach faster and wider and they are the best things that can be done in this matter. All interested parties — producers, businessmen, and consumers — are well educated and aware of their roles in supporting and enjoying the benefits inherent in the implementation of a well-managed geographical indication of the kind that is represented by the trademark.

Real Impact of GI Mark Protection

A report from the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) says that over 400 products were registered in India while the number of GI marks was progressing until 2024. But the renewal of these marks is necessary to keep the protection.

The study conducted by the European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO) suggested that the market demand for GI products had shown a 2.23-times increase in price compared to non-GI items. The use of GI Marks is, therefore, associated with a high economic value.

Indeed, the unauthorized sale of fake goods has led many GI producers to face hard times. The use of GI Mark Protection Services can help in this respect, resulting in lessened hazards. By way of exemplification, the services also helped the Banarasi saree weavers' cooperative in getting back their market share lost to the fake items available on the internet.

Advantages for both GIs and Consumers

For Producers:

  • They can count on not being victims of abuse

  • Belief in the product is growing and therefore a higher demand is created

  • The law is also protecting producers

  • More freedom in the way a product is exhibited in the market

For Consumers:

  • They can buy items that are original and of better quality

  • It will be possible to put a stop to crimes of deception and fraud

  • Knowing the regional and local products is one more perk

By these services, the aim is to offer a secure and transparent market for sellers and customers in the process of trading with one another.

What Is the Name of the Organizations Capable of Guarding GI Marks?

The following entities are responsible for:

  • Law companies that specialize in intellectual property regulations

  • Units engaged in looking for the infringement

  • Professionals who have a track record of success in obtaining a trade or GI

  • Brands associations

  • Establishments that are authorized by the government

Private producers or groups are the ones who can contact and communicate their respective requirements to these officials to do the needful of the steps like registration, validation, and legal actions associated with the protection of their GI Marks. The services can be modified upon request

Importance in Global Trade Today

The age of global e-commerce has allowed regional products to be marketed internationally with ease. This, however, is not only good for the new prospect it brings, but also brings risks that are associated with it. In the absence of adequate security measures, GI Marks may be imitate.

To get international protection for GI Marks, the Lisbon Agreement and TRIPS Agreement (Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights) are the norms followed. The GI Mark Protection Services are also there for the support for international filing and compliance.

Conclusion

The importance of Geographical Indication Mark Protection Services has been greatly emphasized in the past few years. As the number of cases linked to infringements and counterfeit goods surges, these services have significant importance in the conservation of the integrity, culture, and economy of regional products.

Moreover, these services have a win-win effect on both producers and consumers who gain benefits. Thoroughly, more of the traditional craftsmen, small farmers, and very local businesses are covered, and buyers are assured the origin of the product which also means quality.

Not a mere legal obligation, the decision to invest in GI Mark Protection Services is a way of reaffirming the importance of cultural heritage and, at the same time, safeguarding traditional goods.

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