The Office of the Controller General of Patents, Designs and Trademarks & Registrar of Geographical Indications has relased the “Manual of Geographical Indications Practice and Procedue”. The Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act, 1999 and the Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) Rules, 2002 came into force on 15th September, 2003.
The Manual succinctly traces the evolution of GI, explores the concept of GI and context of enactment of Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration & Protection) Act, 1999 . It is a practical guide to all the prospective applicants and GI practitioners. It incorporates all the relevant provisions and rules pertaining to the filing of application.
The delays in registration of GIs are, quite often, attributed to the inapposite filing of applications. The new Manual is expected to address this state of affairs and facilitate the processing of GI applications. Needless to say, this will help many stakeholders of GI who are not acquainted with the legal formalities. The Manual will be revised from time to time based on interpretations by Court of Law, statutory amendments and inputs from the stakeholders. It should be, however, noted that it does not have the force of law.
