DIPP launches logo contest for Geographical Indications

NEW DELHI: A contest has been launched for designing a common logo and tagline for Geographical Indications to increase awareness about intellectual property rights, the commerce and industry ministry said today.

A Geographical Indication (GI) is primarily an agricultural, natural or a manufactured product (handicrafts and industrial goods) originating from a definite geographical territory.

Typically, such a name conveys an assurance of quality and distinctiveness, which is essentially attributable to the place of its origin. Darjeeling Tea, Tirupathi Laddu, Kangra Paintings, Nagpur Orange and Kashmir Pashmina are among the registered GIs in India.

The Department of Industrial Policy and Promotion (DIPP), under the ministry, "aims to launch a certifying GI mark/logo that can be used to identify all registered GIs irrespective of the categories, and a suitable tagline/slogan for promotion of GIs," the ministry said in a statement.

The move would also help increasing awareness about the benefits of a GI tag.

The contest was launched by the Cell for IPR Promotions & Management (CIPAM) MyGov.in website.

CIPAM, which works under the aegis of the DIPP, has also started "Gift a GI" campaign to help in branding and promotion of registered GI products.

The ministry said this contest is an opportunity for creators who aspire to see their creation recognised on a national platform.

The last date for receiving entries is November 17. The winning entry will receive a cash award of Rs 50,000 each, for logo design and slogan, it added. RR MR