Topic:

Protection of geographical indications at

national level
Presented by:
Iqra Akbar (20020920-105)
Umme Farwa (20020920-114)
BBA section: B
Presented to: Mam Nasira Majid
Outline:
• What are geographical indications and it’s protection?
• Difference between GI and other intellectual property rights
• How to register geographical indications?
• Protection of GI at Pakistan level
Geographical indication:-

• Geographical indication(GI) are signs used on products that Identify their geographical
origin and the qualities or characteristics of the product that are linked to that origin.
• For example, the term “Champagne” can only be used to refer to sparkling wine
produced in the Champagne region of France. This is because the unique climate and soil
conditions of the Champagne region contribute to the distinctive qualities of Champagne
wine.
Examples of Geographical indication:-
• Here are some examples of GIs that are protected in different countries:-
• Champagne( France)
• Scotch Whisky (Scotland)
• Darjeeling tea( India)
• Tequila (Mexico)
• Feta cheese (Greece)
• Kobe beef( Japan)
Protection of Geographical indication:-

• The protection of geographical indication is important for number of reasons:

• It helps to ensure that Consumers are not misled about the origin of products.
• It helps to protect the reputation and quality of Products thats are associated with a
particular region.
• It can helps to promote economic development in rural areas.
Ways to protect geographical indication:-
• There are number of different ways to protect GI:-

In some
countries,GI are In other countries, In some cases,GI
protected under sui GI are protected may also protected
generis law which under trademark under unfair
is specially law. competition law
designed for GI.
Who can apply for GI:-
• Four people can apply for GI:-

Any
authority
Any Any
Producer of which is
association organizatio
any product established
of person n
under the
law

Who are user of GI:-

Any authorized user who have available all exclusive right of GI.
 Difference between geographical indication and
other IP rights:-
Feature Geographical indication Other IP Rights

Purpose To protect the quality, reputation or To protect the distinctiveness of a

other characteristics of the product brand or product name
or service that are due to its
geographical origin.
Basis of protection Geographical Origin Distinctiveness of the mark or
symbol

Granting authority Government agency Registration with a Government

agency

Example
 How to register geographical
indications?
• Process:1. Identify the product or service that you want to register as geographical indications
(Must have specific quality, reputation or other characteristics due to its geographical
region)
2. File an application with registrar of geographical indications (download from their
website)(Pay application free that vary from country to country)

3. Provide documentation that necessary in application:

• A description of product or service
• A map showing geographical region of product or service
• A declaration that product or service have specific quality, other characteristics
• A declaration that you are the owner of this product and have right to register it ( name and
address of applicant)
Conti...

4. Examine to form and substance

• The Registrar of GI will first conduct a examination of the application to ensure that it meets the
formal requirements. This includes checking that the application is properly filled out and that all of
the required documents are included.
• If the application meets the formal requirements, it will then be referred to a panel of experts for
substantive examination. The panel of experts will assess whether the product meets the
requirements for registration as a GI.

6. Refusal of application:
5. Await the decision of • If error in documentation like spelling mistake of product or area name it have chance for
registrar: correction because it is minor objection.
( The registrar review the • If product does not meet the requirements of GI or not have specific characteristics or not
application and made area specific than it is major objections and don’t have chance for correction.
decision within six months) • The applicant have 2 chances to appeal against refusel application or for correction.
Conti...
7. If your application approved you will
receive a registration certificate:
• (That will grant to use it’s rights)

• You can check your registered geographical

indications on the website of the Intellectual
Property Organization of Pakistan (IPO-
Pakistan).

Duration:
• The duration for geographical indications
right to use when a registered certificate is
obtained at WIPO is 20 years.
• In Pakistan there is no limit as long as the
product continues to meet the
requirements for registration.
Benefits:
• Protection from unauthorized use of
GI.
• Assurance of quality of product to
consumer.
• Economic benefits to farmer or
producer through global brand
recognition and demand.
• Preserve culture heritage by ensuring
that traditional products are produced
in the same way that they have been
produced for centuries.
Protection of geographical indications at
Pakistan level:
• Pakistan enacted the Geographical
Indication (Registration and
Protection) Act, 2020, which
provides for the registration and
protection of geographical
indications of goods for public
interest and advancing the economic
reform and development of the least
developed areas of Pakistan.
• Examples:
Multan halwa, Hunza apricots, Basmati
rice, Kashmir Pashmin, Sindhiri
mangoes , Kashmiri saffron etc