-
22 Dec 2023
GS Paper 1
Indian Heritage & Culture
Day 29 : What statutory and policy measures have been taken to preserve the intellectual, biological, and geographical indications (GIs) properties in India? (250 words)
- Start the answer with a discussion that sets a context for the question.
- Discuss the measures to preserve Intellectual, Geographical and Biological Properties in India.
- Conclude suitably.
Introduction
India has enacted a comprehensive legal framework and policies to preserve its intellectual, biological, and geographical indications properties. These measures not only protect the country's cultural and biological diversity but also promote fair trade practices and contribute to global efforts in sustainable development and biodiversity conservation
Body
Key measures for preserving intellectual, biological, and geographical indications (GIs) properties in India include:
- Measures for Preserving Intellectual Property:
- The Patents Act (1970): The Patents Act provides the legal framework for the protection of intellectual property, encouraging innovation and creativity.
- Copyright Act (1957): Protects literary, artistic, and musical works, fostering the preservation of intellectual creations.
- Trademarks Act (1999): Offers protection to distinctive signs, logos, and symbols, preventing unauthorized use and ensuring the preservation of brand identity.
- Agreement on Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS): India's adherence to TRIPS standards ensures global recognition and protection of intellectual property rights in the country.
- Measures for Geographical Indications (GI) Protection:
- Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act (1999): Establishes a framework for the registration and protection of GIs, safeguarding products with unique qualities tied to their geographical origin.
- GI Tagging and Certification: The implementation of a GI tagging and certification system ensures that consumers can identify and trust the authenticity of products with specific geographical origins.
- Measures for Biological Diversity Conservation:
- Biological Diversity Act (2002): Aims to conserve biological diversity, sustainable use of its components, and equitable sharing of benefits arising from the use of biological resources.
- National Biodiversity Authority (NBA): Establishment of NBA to regulate access to biological resources and associated knowledge, ensuring fair and equitable sharing of benefits.
- Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD): India’s commitment to CBD principles enhances cooperation in biodiversity conservation and access to genetic resources.
- Measures for Traditional Knowledge Protection:
- Traditional Knowledge Digital Library (TKDL): It is a proactive measure to document and prevent the misappropriation of traditional knowledge, especially in the field of medicine and Ayurveda.
- Protection of Plant Varieties and Farmers' Rights Act: It safeguards the rights of farmers in the protection of plant varieties and encourages the conservation of traditional seeds and agricultural practices.
Conclusion
India aspires to be the custodian and defender of its diverse intellectual, biological, and geographical treasures, with innovation firmly rooted in tradition. In this vision, conservation becomes a collective responsibility, aimed at safeguarding these invaluable assets for the benefit of future generations.