Part of: GS Prelims and GS-III – Intellectual Property Rights
In news: GI certified Madurai Malli and other flowers exported to USA & Dubai from Tamil Nadu.
About Madurai Malli
It is the Jasmine flower, known for its strong and powerful, mysteriously attractive & seductive fragrance.
Because of its place of origin, it is known as Madurai Malli.
It is mainly cultivated in the district of Madurai and the neighboring places of Madurai like Theni, Sivaganga, Virudhunagar and Dindigul.
It was given GI recognition in 2013.
GI protection prevents producers of similar flowers in other regions from using the specific tag and helps growers in the specific region preserve their identity in the local and global market
Madurai has emerged as a major market for the malligai grown in its neighbourhood, and has evolved into the ‘jasmine capital’ of India.
What is Geographical Indication (GI)?
It is a sign on products having a unique geographical origin and evolution over centuries with regard to its special quality or reputed attributes.
It is a mark of authenticity and ensures that registered authorized users or at least those residing inside the geographic territory are allowed to use the popular product names.
GI tag in India is governed by Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration & Protection) Act, 1999.
It is issued by the Geographical Indications Registry (Chennai).
What are the Benefits of GI Tag?
It provides legal protection to Indian Geographical Indications thus preventing unauthorized use of the registered GIs by others.
It promotes economic prosperity of producers of goods produced in a geographical territory.
It leads to recognition of the product in other countries thus boosting exports.
