The Analysis of the Use of Geographical Indications of Good (Registration and Protection) Act, 1999 in Protecting Indian Textiles

This research paper is a comprehensive analysis of Geographical Indications in the Indian context with particular reference to the handloom sector. It covers topics such as the rationale for Geographical Indications as IP (intellectual property); the domestic position on Geographical Indications; Geographical Indications protection under various international instruments; handlooms from Gujarat and their Geographical Indications journey; the efficacy of Geographical Indications; and the Geographical Indications structure for handlooms. The volume bridges the gap between law and policy and advocates for the implementation of an effective legal system. It emphasizes the importance of Indian handlooms, which symbolize the country's cultural history and provide a variety of livelihoods. India's Geographical Indications protection system has been evaluated in light of its different cultures, with the goal of determining how Geographical Indications might help recognize, support, and promote these items in order to offer socioeconomic benefits. This article describes policy initiatives adopted to revive, restructure, and promote Indian handlooms and handicrafts, and it will be a significant contribution to Indian Geographical Indications law. This article is an investigative study that evaluates the current law and policy on Geographical Indications protection through detailed case studies and empirical research on select Indian handlooms. It will be useful to scholars and researchers of geography, economics, development studies, sociology, law, and public policy. Policymakers, attorneys, experts in textiles and handlooms, institutions of design and business administration, the media, museums of arts and crafts, and civil society organizations involved in intellectual property or handlooms will also find it interesting.