Tradition Meets Trade

An Analysis of the Symbiotic Relationship of Geographical Indications (GIs) and Cultural Conservation in India

Abstract

The study analysis elaborates on the ethical issues related to Geographical Indications (GIs) in India, more specifically, the tension of economic usage and cultural appropriation. It looks into the two-fold function of GIs as instruments of trade and revenue and as shields of identity and tradition including commodities such as Darjeeling Tea, Basmati Rice, etc. The paper covers the legal structures with regards to GIs in India with focus on ethical issues such as commercialisation, cultural imperialism, and social justice. Thus, the study also aims to cater policy implications to improve the ethical handling of GIs and state that concentration of benefits along with safeguarding of the cultural assets is critical. In conclusion, the author calls for the need to adopt a balanced perspective in analysing the factors that underlie the conflict of economic and cultural values and in doing so, the paper posited to advance knowledge in the area of Intellectual Property Law as a field of study as well as in the field of policy. Sources of the study include legal documents and articles. In that light, the author notes that even though GIs are economically rewarding, their use must be regulated in order not to adversely affect the cultural values that define a particular product.