ISLAMABAD: The federal government has decided to notify Trade Development Authority of Pakistan (TDAP) as registrant body for Geographical Indications (GIs) registration, sources close to Chairman, Intellectual Property Organization told Business Recorder.

Geographical Indications (GIs) are a form of Intellectual Property Rights (IPRs) which identify a product originating from a specific area, whose quality or reputation is attributable to its place of origin. In Pakistan, Geographical Indications (Registration and Protection) Act, 2020 was enacted in March this year.

A significant number of products have potential to be protected under the GI regime in Pakistan including products such as Basmati rice, Kinnow, mango, cutlery, Ajrak, etc. Keeping in view the importance of these potential GIs of Pakistan, an indicative list of non-exhaustive GIS of Pakistan is included in the Schedule-A under Section 58(2) of the GI Act including Basmati.

Section 11(1) of the Act mentions that "The Federal Government shall be the holder and exclusive owner of all the geographical indications of Pakistan" and Section 11(2) further elaborates that "The Federal Government may allow any statutory body, public body, local or provincial administration, government enterprise or any government organization which is a juristic person having area of responsibility covering the geographical indications in the territory of Pakistan to apply for and register the product as a geographical indication as a registrant in such form, manner and accompanied by such fees as may be prescribed."

The role of "registrant" body is to prepare "Book of Specification" for the relevant GI, approving "authorized users" for further registrations and coordination with the relevant Division for cooperation agreement with organizations to enable pre-registration processes of geographical indication and facilitate in arranging consultations with producers and operators in drafting book of specification. TDAP is the statutory body working under administrative control of the Commerce Division.

TDAP is mandated by the government to interact and coordinate with respective public and private sector stakeholders, and enhance value of products and services by broadening the export base of Pakistani products. Therefore, TDAP is the most relevant public body to be notified as Registrant of Basmati rice under Section 11(2) of the GI Act.

Pakistan recently decided to give a befitting reply to India's claim of GI tag to Basmati Rice in the European Union and will file its opposition in the EU.

At a recent meeting, Reap representatives held a detailed meeting with the Commerce Advisor wherein India's GI tagging came under discussion. Reap representatives were of the view that Pakistan is a major grower and producer of Basmati Rice and India's claim for exclusivity is unjustified.

Abdul Razak Dawood categorically stated that Pakistan will vehemently oppose India's application in the European Union and restrain India from obtaining exclusive GI tag of Basmati Rice.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2020