Geographical Indication (GI) tag                                                       

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Context: The Tamil Nadu Cashew Processors and Exporters Association (TNCPEA) has applied for a Geographical Indication (GI) tag for Panruti cashews.

About Panruti cashews:

• They are unique in nature because of the taste and quality.
• GI tagging of Panruti cashews would provide a fillip to the industry and enhance the secondary economic activities in the region and safeguard the interests of farmers and cashew exporters.
• Panruti cashews are slightly small, they have a unique value in the market.
• They are known as the ‘goldmine’ of Cuddalore, it has a huge demand across India and the world.
• Panruti cashew is mainly cultivated in laterite, red and coastal sands.

About GI Tag:

• A geographical indication or GI is a sign used on products that have a specific geographical origin and possess qualities or a reputation that are due to that origin.
• Geographical Indications are part of the intellectual property rights that comes under the Paris Convention for the Protection of Industrial Property.
• In India, Geographical Indications registration is administered by the Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act of 1999.
• This tag is valid for a period of 10 yearsfollowing which it can be renewed.
• GI tags are covered under World Trade Organization.
• Geographical indications are typically used for agricultural products, foodstuffs, wine and spirit drinks, handicrafts, and industrial products.
• It is basically an assurance that the product is coming from that specific area. It's kind of trademark in the international market.
• Karnataka has the highest number of GI tags i.e. 47products followed by Tamil Nadu (39).

Benefits of registration of Geographical Indications:

• It confers legal protection to Geographical Indications in India
• Prevents unauthorised use of a Registered Geographical Indication by others
• It provides legal protection to Indian Geographical Indications which in turn boost exports.
• It promotes economic prosperity of producers of goods produced in a geographical territory.

How a geographical indication is different from a trade mark?

• A trade mark is a sign which is used in the course of trade and it distinguishes goods or services of one enterprise from those of other enterprises.
• Whereas a geographical indication is an indication used to identify goods having special characteristics originating from a definite geographical territory.

https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/puducherry/gi-tag-sought-for-panruti-cashews/article65067915.ece?homepage=true