Summary
Later Dr. Koyel Roy presented the comprehensive legal benefits of registration of GI that extend
to both producers and consumers including Legal Protection and Prevention of Unauthorized Use,
Economic Prosperity and Market Recognition, Export Enhancement and International Trade,
Consumer Identification and Decision-Making, Cultural Identity Preservation, Integration with
Trademark Law.
An overview of the International framework was presented by the resource person including the
World Trade Organization (WTO) and the Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights
(TRIPS) Agreement form the foundation of international GI protection. The TRIPS Agreement,
which came into force as part of the WTO framework, contains provisions specifically addressing
geographical indications. Articles 22, 23, and 24 of the TRIPS Agreement establish international
standards for GI protection.
Later on the topic ‘Who Can Apply for Geographical Indication Registration?’ the resource person
stated that the GI Act recognizes multiple categories of eligible applicants: An association of
persons or producers engaged in the production, manufacture, or distribution of goods for which
GI protection is sought may apply. This includes cooperative societies, producer organizations,
and collective associations. Any person or body representing the interests of producers is eligible
to apply on behalf of the producing community. This provision ensures that even when individual
producers lack the capacity to apply collectively, representatives can facilitate the registration
process. Authorized authorities established under law, including government agencies, can apply
for GI registration on behalf of their geographical jurisdictions or constituent communities. The
critical requirement is that the applicant must clearly articulate and represent the interests of the
actual producers. The applicant must demonstrate how GI registration would confer economic
benefits, enhance market recognition, and contribute to regional development.
The lecture presented several landmark case studies illustrating the practical application and
challenges of geographical indication protection:
Case 1: Basmati Rice (India vs. United States),
Case 2: Turmeric (Biopiracy and Prior Art Challenge),
Case 3: Rasogulla/Rasagolla (West Bengal vs. Odisha)
Dr. Koyel Roy provided extensive examples of Indian products that have received geographical
indication protection: Indian GI-Protected Products such as Basmati rice, Darjeeling tea, Mysore
silk, Mysore sandalwood oil, Mysore sandalwood soap, Mysore jasmine, Tirupati laddu,
Kanchipuram silk and numerous others along with the Global GI-Protected Products.
In the second part of her lecture she stated that Biodiversity encompasses the variety and variability
of life forms, including genetic diversity within species, species diversity among different species,
and ecosystem diversity across different habitats and ecological processes. India's biogeographical
zones demonstrate this diversity. The trans-himalayan region of Ladakh, the Himalayan ranges
and valleys of Kashmir, the Tarai lowlands and Himalayan wet slopes, the Gangetic and
Brahmaputra plains, and the Thar Desert represent distinct bio-geographical zones each
characterized by unique ecosystems, flora, and fauna. Conservation approaches differ between in
situ and ex situ methodologies. In situ conservation preserves species within their natural habitats
and ecosystems through the establishment of national parks, sanctuaries, and protected reserves.
These large-scale protected areas maintain entire ecosystems and allow species to evolve and adapt
within their native environments. Ex situ conservation involves identifying specific areas for the
conservation of particular species, often involving zoo management, botanical gardens, or speciesspecific reserve areas that separate threatened species from predators or competing species.
She stated that Geographical indications are increasingly recognized as essential tools for: Rural
Development, Global Demand for Authentic Products, Digital Traceability and Authentication
Prevention of Bio piracy and Climate Resilience and Traditional Varieties.
Finally, she stated that Geographical indications represent a sophisticated legal mechanism that
simultaneously protects intellectual property, supports producer livelihoods, preserves cultural
heritage, and incentivizes biodiversity conservation. The nexus between geographical indications
and biodiversity is fundamental and inseparable geographical indications protect products that
derive their distinctive qualities from specific geographical locations and the unique biodiversity
within those locations. The lecture emphasized that geographical indication protection extends
beyond mere intellectual property registration; it represents a commitment to valuing the
accumulated knowledge, cultural traditions, and environmental stewardship of communities that
have sustained distinctive products and practices over generations. By protecting geographical
indications, society simultaneously protects the biodiversity, traditional knowledge, and cultural
heritage that these products embody. The lecture concluded with a formal vote of thanks by Mr.
Bhagavatula Naga Sai Sriram, Assistant Professor cum Faculty Coordinator of the Guest Lecture
who thanked Hon’ble Vice Chancellor, VFSTR, Registrar VFSTR, Dean School of Law and
Management, Director VIL and all faculty members and students for the support extended and also
who made this lecture a grand success.
About Guest Lecture
The Vignan Institute of Law, VFSTR, organized a Guest Lecture on 10th January 2025 with the
theme Geographical Indication and Biodiversity conducted through Online Mode (Microsoft
Teams) between 10.00 AM to 12.00 PM with Dr. Koyel Roy, Assistant Professor, Symbiosis Law
School, Hyderabad as the resource person. The lecture was organized to make the VIL students to
understand the concept, importance and practical implications of Geographical Indications and
Biodiversity.
The lecture started with opening remarks by Mr. Bhagavatula Naga Sai Sriram, Assistant Professor
cum Faculty Coordinator of the Guest Lecture. He introduced the concept to the participants and
presented the profile of the resource person and the resource person Dr. Koyel Roy started the
lecture.
Initially Dr. Koyel Roy briefed the participants about distinct categories of Intellectual Property
each providing specific protections for different types of creations. Patents which are specifically
designed for industrial processes, products, and unique technological advancements that are nonobvious and directly derived from industrial practice. Copyrights which protect literary, musical,
artistic, and creative works. Trademarks which serve to identify and protect business brands, logos,
and distinctive marks associated with commercial enterprises. Trade Secrets which protect
confidential business information that provides competitive advantage through non-disclosure.
Geographical Indications which form a specialized category of intellectual property that identifies
products originating from specific geographical locations and possessing distinctive qualities,
reputations, or characteristics attributable to that origin.
The resource person stated that a geographical indication is fundamentally an indication of
geographical origin. It identifies agricultural, natural, or manufactured goods that possess specific
spatial characteristics tied to their place of origin. The legal definition encompasses three essential
criteria that are collectively evaluated during the registration process: quality, reputation, and
characteristics. The Geographical Indication of Goods Registration and Protection Act, 1999
governs GI protection in India and came into force on September 15, 2003. This legislation
establishes the framework for registration and protection of geographical indications and
recognizes the three criteria mentioned above as fundamental to GI determination. Darjeeling tea
holds the distinction of being the first geographical indication protected in India. The significance
of this first GI protection cannot be overstated, as it established the precedent for recognizing
products whose qualities are inextricably linked to their geographical origin. Darjeeling tea is
renowned for its distinctiveness in flavor, aroma, and color the characteristics that are attributed
to the specific climatic conditions, altitude, soil composition, and traditional production methods
of the Darjeeling region.
The interconnection between geographical indications and biodiversity forms the core analytical
framework of the lecture. Dr. Koyel Roy articulated this nexus through several interconnected
mechanisms:
 Native Species Utilization: Geographical indications rely on local plant varieties, animal
breeds, and specific ecosystem components that have evolved within particular
geographical regions. These local biodiversity resources form the foundation of GIprotected products. For instance, the spice gardens of Kerala depend on native plant species
that thrive in Kerala's specific climate and soil conditions. These plants are not cultivated
through artificial means; they grow naturally, supported by indigenous soil conditions and
without requiring chemical interventions such as pesticides or artificial fertilizers.
 Biological Resource Management: GI products typically emerge from eco-friendly and
sustainable practices that prevent over-industrialization and discourage monoculture
farming. These practices preserve the natural biodiversity of regions and maintain
ecological balance. The continued use of indigenous genetic resources ensures that traditional varieties are not displaced by industrial monocultures, thereby preserving
genetic diversity and ecosystem health.
 Protection of Traditional Knowledge: Indigenous and traditional knowledge systems
represent accumulated wisdom developed over generations regarding sustainable resource
management, medicinal properties of plants, and agricultural practices. This knowledge is
often undocumented, oral in nature, and community-based. Through geographical
indication protection, such traditional knowledge receives legal recognition and protection
against unauthorized commercialization or misappropriation.
