Three new items – Date Molasses of Jessore, Sweet Betel Leaf of Rajshahi and Nakshi Kantha of Jamalpur – have been recognised as products with Geographical Indications (GI).
So far, Bangladesh has got the ownership of a total of 31 GI products, said an Industries Ministry press release on Thursday, media reports say.
No other country or individual in the world can claim ownership of these products.
GI is a sign used on products that have a specific geographical origin and possess qualities or a reputation that are due to that origin. In order to function as a GI, a sign must identify a product as originating in a given place.
Geographically recognised materials ensure certain quality standards or specific manufacturing systems or specialties. The biggest advantage of GI products is the branding of products in the global market, which puts GI products ahead of any other equivalent product.
The Department of Patents, Designs and Trademarks (DPDT) recognises and certifies GI products under the Ministry of Industries in accordance with the norms of the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO).
In 2013, the Geographical Indication Products (Registration and Protection) Act was enacted. In 2015, the DPDT called for the registration of GI products after the formulation of the Act.
