India- Geographical Indication

Registered GI’s without ‘Authorised user’- a nullity

In India around 97 GI’s have been registered till date. None of the registered GI’s is having its registered authorised user. The GI Act 1999 makes it mandatory to have two kind of registration firstly the GI and secondly ‘authorised user’. The registered GI without having its authorised user carries no significance. No efforts have been made till date by the Govt. of India to have registration of authorised user simultaneously along with its related GI.

Nothing can be achieved in GI Laws without having its authorised users. Legally registration of GI and non registration of linked authorised user shall render existing true owner of GI an illegal user and liable for various criminal prosecution in GI laws.

Are we protecting National Heritage and Traditional Knowledge (its true owners) or murdering the same.

It calls for immediate introspection.