Important Facts For Prelims
Nihonshu
- 19 Oct 2022
- 3 min read
Why in News?
The Embassy of Japan, New Delhi, has filed an application seeking a Geographical Indication (GI) tag for Nihonshu/Japanese sake.
- This is the first time a product from Japan has filed for a tag at the Geographical Indication Registry.
What is Nihonshu?
- In Japan, Nihonshu is regarded as a special and valuable beverage made from fermenting rice.
- People traditionally drink nihonshu on special occasions, such as festivals, weddings or funerals, but it is also consumed on a daily basis.
- Thus, it is an integral part of the lifestyle and culture in Japan.
- The sake market (almost all are nihonshu) is the second largest brewed liquor (such as beer) market in Japan.
What is a Geographical Indication (GI) Tag?
- About:
- Geographical Indication (GI) is an indication used to identify goods having special characteristics originating from a definite geographical territory.
- The Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act, 1999 seeks to provide for the registration and better protection of geographical indications relating to goods in India.
- It is governed and directed by the WTO Agreement on Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS).
- It was decided and also stated under Articles 1 (2) and 10 of the Paris Convention that the protection of industrial Property and Geographical Indication are elements of Intellectual Property.
- It is primarily an agricultural, natural or a manufactured product (handicrafts and industrial goods).
- Validity:
- This tag is valid for a period of 10 years following which it can be renewed.
- Significance:
- Once a product gets this tag, any person or company cannot sell a similar item under that name.
- GI registration of a product provides it legal protection and prevention against unauthorised use by others.
- GI tag helps in promoting the exports of the product.
- It also provides comfort to customers about the authenticity of that product.
