Mithila Makhana

Why in news?

• The Government of India has awarded the Geographical Indication(GI) tag to Mithila Makhana.

What is Mithila Makhana?

• Makhana is a special variety of aquatic cash fruit crops cultivated in Mithila region of Bihar.
• It is an auspicious ingredient in offerings to the God and Goddesses during festivals and is used to show reverence.
• The geographical area of production of “Mithila Makhana” takes place in 21 out of 38 districts, mostly situated in the North of the Bihar state.

About Geographical Indication:

• Geographical Indications are covered as a component of intellectual property rights (IPRs).
• GI is governed by the WTO’s Agreement on Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS).
• GI tag is a sign used on goods that have a specific geographical origin and possess qualities or a reputation due to that place of origin.

Geographical Indications of Goods Act, 1999:

• The Law seeks to provide for the registration and better protection of geographical indications related to products.
• A Geographical Indications Registry with all India jurisdiction operates in Chennai.
• The registration of a geographical indication is valid for a period of 10 years and can be renewed periodically for an additional 10 years each.
• The use of geographical indications is not limited to agricultural products. They may also highlight specific qualities of a product that are due to human factors found in the product’s place of origin, such as specific manufacturing skills. Eg: Coimbatore wet grinder
• In case of violation, there is a penalty of imprisonment (6 months to 3 years) and a fine of between Rs.5,000 and Rs.2 lakh.

PRACTICE QUESTION:

In the context of IPR regime in India, consider the following statements:

1. The registration of a geographical indication is valid for a period of 10 years

2. GI registration cannot be renewed

3. Use of geographical indications is limited to agricultural products

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 and 3 only

(c) 3 only

(d) 1 and 2 only

Answer