(a) whether the Geographical Indications Act, 1999 has been notified;
(b) if not, the reasons therefor; and
(c) the steps being taken by the Government to notify the Act, immediately?
(a) whether the Geographical Indications Act, 1999 has been notified;
(b) if not, the reasons therefor; and
(c) the steps being taken by the Government to notify the Act, immediately?
The Minister of State in the Ministry of Commerce and Industry (Dr. Raman Singh)
(a) to (c) Yes sir. The geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act, 1999 was notified on 30th December, 1999. The operationalisation of the Act is contingent upon the finalization of the Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) Rules and also upon the establishment of the Intellectual Property Appellate Board (IPAB). Steps are underway to expedite operationalisation and these include notification of the Geographical Indicationsl of Goods (Registration and Protection) Rules, 2002 and establishment lof the IPAB. The formalities relating to IPAB are nearing completion.