Permanent Mission of India Geneva

Press Release

Inauguration of the First-ever Exhibition on Geographical Indications of India under ‘Make in India’ at WIPO, Geneva

1. The Director-General, World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) Dr. Francis Gurry and Permanent Representative of India to the United Nations, Ambassador Mr. Ajit Kumar jointly inaugurated in Geneva on 6 October 2015,the first-ever Exhibition on “Geographical Indications of India” under the aegis of “Make in India” initiative of the Government of India. The Exhibition jointly organized by the Government of India and WIPO will remain open from 6-14 October 2015 as an accompanying event of the 55th series of Meetings of the Assemblies of WIPO, where the high-level dignitaries from Ministries in-charge of Intellectual Property (IP) policy matters as well as IP Offices from over 150 countries are participating in it.

2. H.E. MrAjit Kumar, Ambassador and Permanent Representative of India, in his keynote address elucidated how protection and promotion of Geographical Indications (GIs) is an integral part of the ‘Make in India’ initiative. He said GIs are the jewels of India, made in India - but, made for the world; at present 236 products ranging from agricultural products, to handlooms and textiles, to handicrafts, to natural products, to culinary delicacies, and manufactured goods have been registered in India.

3. Director General of WIPO, Dr. Francis lauded Government of India's initiative to hold the Exhibition on GIs during the General Assembly of WIPO . He added that the Exhibition offers an opportunity to participating delegations from Member States to appreciate the significance of GIs of India and also to eventually help in preventing their misuse outside India. He also complimented India for holding such an unique exhibition, which apart from helping to brand 'Made in India' products,  will also give a boost to other countries to adopt similar measures for effective protection of their GIs.

4. On this occasion, a documentary by Accessible Book Consortium (ABC) and WIPO, on ABC’s work in Indiawas premiered in the presence of  the participants to the Exhibition. A short movie on the flagship “Make in India”  programme was also shown.

5. The inauguration of the Exhibition was followed by an Indian Classical Music recital and a formal reception. The event was attended by over 800 invitees from over 150 countries which included Ambassadors, Permanent Representatives of Missions based in Geneva, Heads of Intellectual Property Offices, Legal Experts, representatives of Civil Society Organisations, and prominent Indians in Geneva.

6. The India pavilion is showcasing 88 of the 236 registered Geographical Indications from different regions of India as well as various types of artifacts. Eight artisans from different regions of India are giving live demonstrations and in-situ display of GIs demonstrating their skills in pottery, weaving and fine craftsmanship.

7. The Exhibition will provide an international platform to Geographical Indications of India, giving an opportunity to the registered GI users and producers to display their products.

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