Geographical Indication and Authorized Users

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Geographical Indications (GI) is the form of Intellectual Property (IP) which has been attracting attention of policy-makers, lawyers, economists as well as producers (particularly in agriculture sector) since the adoption of TRIPS (Trade Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights) Agreement. The major reason for this attention could be that GI is the only form of IP which is owned by whole producing community and not just an individual or an enterprise. 

GIs are basically distinguishing signs that are used to identify competing goods particularly in the international market wherein the extent of losses due to counterfeit goods is huge. 

The use of Geographical Origin brands comes up with its own set of challenges. Considering the collective nature of GIs, the producers must organize themselves, bring in collective actions pertaining to production standards, quality standards & control, product distribution and marketing as well.

This post particularly deals with question I have been asked regarding the registration of Authorized Users under The Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act, 1999 [GI Act].

Section 17(1) of the GI Act states:
"Any person claiming to be the producer of the goods in respect of which a geographical indication has been registered under Section 16 may apply in writing to the Registrar in the prescribed manner for registering him as an authorized user of such geographical indication".

Now, question comes whether this provision Sec. 17(1) of GI Act is a mandate?

Going by the Interpretation of Statues, the word "May" can be treated as "Shall" which makes the above provision mandatory. However, even in the absence of such interpretation and any precedent, I think this provision should be considered or made mandatory.

Considering the collective nature of this community IP right, it is the ‘Authorized Users’ and not the ‘Registered Proprietor’ who have the exclusive right to the use of the GI in relation to the goods in respect of which the GI is registered, subject to any condition and limitation to which the registration is subject to.

To realize real benefits of authorized user registrations, unity is pertinent among the producers as well their leaders. Like ISO Certifications, GI Certificates shall have strict quality parameter compliance to be fulfilled. The procedure is still in naive stage and the quest for awareness is on. Let's hope we bring back the glorious days of agriculture through geographical indications!

Stay tuned..

~until next time~


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