When did the Universal Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act come into force?

Question

Question

This question was previously asked in

RPF SI (2018) Official Paper (Held On: 19 Dec 2018 Shift 3)

Answer 1

The correct answer is 1999.

In News

The Universal Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act came into force in 1999.

Key Points

The Act was enacted to provide for the registration and better protection of geographical indications relating to goods in India.
It aims to protect the interests of producers of such goods and ensure that only the registered proprietors or authorized users can use the geographical indication.
The Act is instrumental in preventing the unauthorized use of geographical indications by third parties.
Geographical Indications Registry
- Located in - Chennai, India
- Responsible for - Administration of the GI Act

Additional Information

Geographical Indication (GI)
- A GI is a sign used on products that have a specific geographical origin and possess qualities or a reputation that are due to that origin.
- Examples include Darjeeling tea, Kanchipuram silk saree, and Champagne.
Importance of GI
- Protects the economic interests of producers of genuine products.
- Prevents consumers from being misled about the geographical origin of goods.
Registration Process
- The application for registration of a GI is filed with the Geographical Indications Registry.
- It goes through examination, opposition, and publication stages before registration.
Duration of Protection
- The registration of a GI is initially for a period of 10 years, which can be renewed from time to time.