GI vs Trademark:Definition,Purpose,Example & Key Differences

Do you understand what intellectual property is? This is an important question before we learn about GI (Geographical Indication) and Trademark. GI and Trademark are two parts of intellectual property. Intellectual property is a key component of the business world. These are the kinds of property rights that protect one’s own innovation through various laws such as trademarks, patents and geographical indications. In this section, we will learn about GI and Trademark, which will help individuals understand the fundamentals of business. Questions related to this can also appear in the competitive exam including, UPSC, SSC, and EPFO. Continue reading to enhance your knowledge about such topics. 

What are Geographical Indications (GI)?

A geographical indication (GI) is a sign used to identify products with a specific geographical origin. The GI links the product with its place of origin, showing that the product is manufactured in that specific area.

Law: The Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act of 1999 safeguards a product’s geographical recognition. This law was established in 2003 and aligns with the World Trade Organization’s (WTO) Agreement on Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS).

Also Read: What is the Full Form of IPR?

Examples of Geographical Indications (GI)

There are various products that are protected by the GI. Some of the examples are listed below.

1. Pashmina Wool: This wool is exclusively produced by a particular breed of goat in Kashmir and is known for its softness and warmth.
2. Mysore Silk: This silk is produced in the Mysore district of Karnataka, which is known for its traditional manufacturing technique.
3. Darjeeling Tea: Darjeeling tea, famous for its special flavour, is only grown in Darjeeling, Bengal.

Purpose of  Geographical Indications (GI)

There are particular purposes or benefits of GI for the product. These purposes are mentioned below:

1. Economic Advantage: By connecting a product with a specific place, GI can help the local economy. It allows producers to decide on a suitable price for their product.
2. Heritage Preservation: GIs contribute to the preservation of a region’s traditional knowledge and culture.
3. Protection from Misuse: GI prevents the use of a product under a false name, which could harm the reputation of the genuine product.

Registration Process

A producer can register his or her products under geographical indications (GIs). We have mentioned the GI registration process here.

• An application must be filed with a description of the product and its special qualities related to the geographical location.
• The GI registry reviews applications before publishing them in the Geographical Indications Journal for public examination.
• If no objections are made against the application, the GI is registered and grants protection for 10 years.

Also Read: What is the Full Form of TRIPS?

What is a Trademark?

A trademark is a unique sign or symbol that differentiates one brand from another. It could be a word, logo, slogan, sound, or even colour scheme that represents the brand.

Law: In India, trademarks are governed by the Trade Marks Act of 1999. This act provides protection that allows businesses to maintain their brand identity and differentiate their products from competitors.

Example of Trademark

There are various products that are protected under trademarks. Some of the examples are mentioned below.

1. Amul’s tagline “The Taste of India”: This slogan is a trademark of Amul and can only be used with Amul goods.
2. Coca-Cola’s Logo: Coca-Cola’s red background and writing style are only visible on Coca-Cola products.
3. Nike’s Swoosh: The unique “Swoosh” symbol is connected with Nike’s products.

Purpose of Trademark

The use of a trademark for a product has a specific purpose or benefits. These purposes are listed below:

1. Consumer Trust: A registered trademark ensures the quality of a product or service by growing consumer loyalty.
2. Legal Recourse: In situations of misuse, a registered trademark owner can seek legal help to prevent false use.
3. Brand Protection: A trademark protects a brand’s identity by ensuring that no other brand uses the same mark, avoiding consumer confusion.

Registration Process

A producer can register his or her products under trademarks. The trademark can be any logo, sign, symbol or tagline. The process of registering a trademark is described here.

• Look for a trademark that is unique and not used by any other brand.
• An application should be submitted with product details, trademark information and applicant information.
• The trademark office examines the application to verify that it fits all legal requirements.
• If everything is approved, the trademark will be registered and published in the Trademark Journal.
• If there is an opposition, the trademark will be registered only when the opposition is resolved.
• After registration, the trademark is protected for 10 years.

Also Read: World Intellectual Property Day

GI vs Trademark

Even though GI and Trademark are two types of Intellectual Property, they are different from each other. The table below highlights the key difference between GI and Trademark(GI vs Trademark).

Criteria	Geographical Indication (GI)	Trademark
Nature	Protect the goods and services liked to a particular geographical location.	Protect the brand identity of the products or services, ensuring exclusivity in the market.
Scope	It can be used widely by the producers of a particular geographical location.	They are the marks exclusively for a brand so another brand cannot use a similar sign or symbol.
Impact	It directly impacts the region of origin by promoting local culture and economic progress.	It benefits the company or individual that owns the trademark by increasing brand recognition and market value.
Legal Protection	It provides protection against misuse of the geographical name.	It provides broader protection against any mark in any way that could mislead the consumers.

Geographical indication (GI) and trademark play key roles in intellectual property protection. They both serve various purposes and provide different benefits and understanding these differences helps businesses and regions to select the right kind of protection.

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