In the new year, Andhra Pradesh and Telangana states may earn a dozen new Geographical Indication (GI) tags if everything goes well. Some of these include native agricultural and handicrafts products. Today, there is a never-seen-before awareness, surrounding the benefits of receiving GI tags, within the government and private societies. Subhajit Saha is a name to reckon with in the field of GI as he actively supported and promoted the use of GI to popularise the local talent, crafts and landmarks. In an interview with THE WEEK, Subhajit Saha, Founder of IPRAS and Head Legal & IPR for Resolute Group, throws light on the background work needed to get a GI registration, his personal experiences and how GI tags economically benefit people and places.
Q. Can you briefly talk about how you got associated with Geographical Indication (GI) Tags and Intellectual Property Rights (IPRs)?
I started my IPR journey in 2004, when I joined Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) in the IPR centre. The main objective was to spread IP awareness, capacity building and offer IPR facilitation services to stakeholders. Along with Patents, Trademarks, Designs and Copyrights, GI was also on our radar. It all began with the Pochampally IKAT GI registration in 2004 and since then it has been no looking back. Initially, it was all about awareness and sensitisation with the beginning of GI movement in India back then. The next phase was to register these products. Hence, a part of my profession that was to register GIs, then turned into a passion. I also run an NGO IPRAS founded in 2023 to help artisans for branding and connecting to market opportunities. This is how I got associated with GI and facilitated more than 30 GI registrations from Andhra Pradesh, Telangana and Madhya Pradesh till date.
Q. Why and how important are GI tags for places, events, food etc?
Geographical Indications (GI) of Goods are defined as that aspect of IPRs referring to a country or to a place situated therein as being the country or place of origin of that product. Typically, such a name conveys an assurance of quality and distinctiveness, which is essentially attributable to the fact of its origin in that defined geographical locality. So, GI is the fine link between people, places and products. The most important attribute is the legal right, which the producers and artisans get to use the name and brand their product by excluding others. The other aspect is the premium which the GI tags give to a product and hence better pricing and good returns. GI tags give an undoubted assurance to the consumer that the product is of certain standard and has a legacy and reputation, which helps to connect consumers better. GI prevents rural exodus as more and more community and groups get involved in making the product and become entrepreneurs. GI not only makes the product famous but also the place and people associated with it thus opening new avenues of tourism and investments in the region.
Q. Talk about the role and contribution in helping organisations and governments earn GI tag. Describe the efforts and steps involved.
A GI tag is a community right and is given to a group of producers, FPO’s and association. Government and organisations can act as facilitators to support with funds, technical data and at times some documentation. GI registration in India takes 12 to 18 months in a smooth sailing case. It begins with an awareness session in the area of origin to bring in the producers and association together to make them aware of the GI as a legal right and IPR. Then what benefits they will get with the registration and the value proposition. If there is no society, association or trust, we then form one and then make them file the application. Once the application is filed which has a GI form, statement of case which covers the making of the product from raw materials to the final products. The application covers the proof of historical origin, specifications, uniqueness and human skill involved. A logo also is a must which needs to be designed and filed with the GI. After the filing, a formality check report is issued by the GI registry with any deficiencies, and we need to comply with the same. Following this, there is a consultative group meeting where in a committee sits and scrutinise the application as we need to defend our case for registration. After the meeting, an examination report is issued for us to submit with all the changes as per the recommendations and inputs of the committee. Once the reply is submitted then the application gets accepted for publication with four months window for any opposition and post which the GI application is granted registration. Till date, 1,408 GI applications are filed and 658 are registered in India.
Q. Any particular GI tag related to Telangana that’s special to you
It has to be Pochampally Ikat being the first GI from the state and also the progress it has made in the last 20 years in terms of sales and turnover with significant exports. Also, the Pochampally Ikat is supplied to Europe for designers to design the upholstery of the US President White House. Even Hyderabad Lad Bangles, cheriyal paintings, silver filigree are my favourites as it has really helped the artisans to get premium and try out new designs and product range.
Q. Do you think AP and TG have a lot of potential to get more GI tags?
Yes, of course, both the Telugu states have huge potential especially in Agri and horticulture products. As these are unique to the land area due to soil and climatic conditions, they can get GI tags for their characteristics and special traits. Also, there are many handicrafts and handlooms which can be filed for Gis. The One District One Product initiative has really helped to identify more products, and I am confident both the states can clock good number of registrations in the coming years. Both states stand at 36 products as on date and with few more in pipeline is expected to cross 50 + in the next 1-2 years.
Q. Telangana is attempting to get around 10 GI tags. Can you talk about the interesting ones?
Every GI product is an interesting one. No two products are the same and none of them compete with each other. They are unique and special in their own way and origin. Of course, the Hyderabad Pearls is interesting one as world’s 30 per cent finished pearls comes out from Hyderabad. The threading and processing are so unique which makes us the city of pearls. Batik Painting of Medak is also interesting as it gives a very vibrant tinge to the area and depicts the rural lifestyle. Armur turmeric is going to be another lovely horticulture product from Nizamabad to get the GI tag as the turmeric is long shaped and rich in curcumin content than the other turmerics.
I want to end with my trademarked slogan “Gift a GI Gift as a Tradition” and I am sure, one day this will be in vogue to gift GIs for occasions and festivals.
