What are the benefits of Registration under Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act, 1999? Certain Geographical Indications are prohibited. What are they?

Benefits of Registration under Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act, 1999: Registration of a Geographical Indication (GI) provides several significant benefits to the registered proprietor and authorized users: Legal Protection: It grants the registered proprietor and its authorized users the legal rights to the exclusive use of the GI. This means they can prevent unauthorized persons from misusing the GI. Right to Obtain Relief: In case of infringement, registered GI holders have the right to obtain relief, such as injunctions and damages. Ensuring Authenticity: Exclusion of unauthorized persons from misusing the GI ensures that only genuine products from the rightful producers are marketed, thereby maintaining the reputation and quality associated with the GI. Branding and Marketing: The regional specificity becomes a brand in itself, acting as a powerful marketing tool. It helps in eliminating intermediaries, leading to higher profits for the producers of heritage art and goods. Proof of Quality: A GI tag is a guarantee of premium quality of the product, stemming from its association with a certain region and its historical production methods. This recognition by national and international governments increases market value and potential income. Authenticity Preservation: It helps preserve the essence of handcrafted materials and traditional production methods from imitations, giving the product a market edge. Cultural Protection: GI tags help preserve traditional methods of production and local culture and heritage, especially for products rooted in the heritage of a place, whether natural or manufactured. This can revive dying crafts due to increased awareness and patronage. Increase in Tourism: The global reputation gained from GI protection can lead to an increase in tourism based on the demand for these unique products. Economic Boost: Products with a GI tag often command a higher economic value due to the promise of quality, boosting demand and contributing to the local economy. Prohibited Geographical Indications: For registrability, a GI must fall within the definition of "Geographical Indication" as given under Section 2(1)(e) of the GI Act. Additionally, Section 9 of the Act prohibits the registration of certain GIs. These are: The use of which would be likely to deceive or cause confusion. Which would be contrary to any law for the time being in force. Which comprises or contains scandalous or obscene matter. Which comprises or contains any matter likely to hurt the religious susceptibilities of any class or section of the citizens of India. Which would otherwise be disentitled to protection in a Court. Which are determined to be generic names or indications of goods and are, therefore, not or ceased to be protected in their country of origin, or which have fallen into disuse in that country. Which, although literally true as to the territory, region or locality in which the goods originate, but falsely represent to the persons that the goods originate in another territory, region or locality, as the case may be.