Geographical Indication status likely for ‘Ooty Varkey’ Products enjoying Geographical Indication (GI) status have an edge in the global market, according to Chinnaraja G.Naidu, Assistant Registrar of Trademark and GI, Chennai. On the sidelines of a conference on ‘Intellectual Property Rights’ organised by the Consortium of Women Entrepreneurs of India (CWEI) here on Friday, he told The Hindu that in protecting products with GI certificates and trademarks and promoting them in the international market, India needed to work overtime as it was a late starter in this field. Pointing out that over the last about 10 years, only 216 products had been provided with the GI mark, he said that among them were The Nilgiris tea and Toda embroidery. Adverting to the other Nilgiris related products, which had the potential to be protected and promoted in a similar manner, he said that the ‘Ooty Varkey’, a popular bakery item topped the list. It was followed by The Nilgiris eucalyptus oil, Kota pots and Tribal cutlery. The application, submitted by a recognised association of bakery owners, would be processed and in about eight months the ‘Ooty Varkey’ would be given a GI certificate. He added that the bakery owners should strive to market varkies abroad. Shashi Singh, Chairperson, CWEI, said that all efforts should be made to protect traditional knowledge. The objective of the consortium was to safeguard the rights of women. Kalpana Reddy, first secretary for IP, Embassy of United States, said that GI certification was a unique form of protecting Intellectual Property Rights. S.Ravi, a GI consultant, said that it could play a key role in ensuring the economic well being of various regions.
Posted on: Sat, 06 Dec 2014 12:48:56 +0000
Trending Topics
Recently Viewed Topics
© 2015