Tag: GS 3 || Economy || External Sector || World Trade Organization

Why In News?

Kolhapuris, the sturdy leather chappal that rose from its humble rural origins to occupy the high table of fashion globally, now has a Geographical Indication (GI) tag.

that rose from its to occupy the high table of fashion globally, The Controller General of Patents, Designs and Trade Marks has granted the GI tag for Kolhapuris to a large area in Maharashtra and Karnataka, covering four districts in each state.

Kolhapuri Chappal

According to the GI application made by the two states , Kolhapuris can be traced back to the 12th century King Bijjal who ruled Bidar in Karnataka.

, Kolhapuris can be traced back to the 12th century His prime minister Vishwaguru Basavanna wanted to create a casteless society and remove the stigma associated with the cobbler community.

wanted to create a casteless society and remove the stigma The community embraced Lingayat faith and used its creative skills to start producing footwear known equally for its ruggedness and regal bearing.

faith and used its creative skills to start producing footwear known equally for its ruggedness and regal bearing. Brand Kolhapuri came into being only in the beginning of the 20th century when the footwear began to be traded in Kolhapur.

came into being only in the beginning of the 20th century when the footwear began to be traded in Kolhapur. Chhatrapati Shahu Maharaj (1874-1922) of Kolhapur encouraged its production and 29 tanning centers were opened during his rule in Kolhapur.

What GI tag means for the Kolhapuris?

The GI tag will open large markets – both domestic and international – to the artisans producing Kolhapuris in Kolhapur, Solapur, Sangli and Satara districts of Maharashtra and Dharwad, Belgaum, Bagalkot, and Bijapur districts of Karnataka.

– to the artisans producing What the GI tag means is that footwear produced only in these eight districts will qualify to carry the tag of being Kolhapuris.

Additional Info-Geographical Indications in India

A Geographical Indication is used on products that have a specific geographical origin and possess qualities or a reputation that are due to that origin.

is used on products that have a specific geographical origin and possess qualities or a reputation that Such a name conveys an assurance of quality and distinctiveness which is essentially attributable to its origin in that defined geographical locality.

which is essentially attributable to its origin in that defined geographical locality. This tag is valid for a period of 10 years following which it can be renewed.

Recently the Union Minister of Commerce and Industry has launched the logo and tagline for the Geographical Indications (GI) of India.

The first product to get a GI tag in India was the Darjeeling tea in 2004.

The Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act, 1999 (GI Act) is a sui generis Act for the protection of GI in India.

India, as a member of the WTO, enacted the Act to comply with the Agreement on Trade- Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights

comply with the Agreement on Trade- Geographical Indications protection is granted through the TRIPS Agreement.

Mains Question

What are the Implications of Geographical Indications Tags?