RIL withdraws GI tag applications for Jamnagar, KG Gas

Reliance Industries (RIL), the nation's most valued company, has withdrawn applications to register the terms, 'Jamnagar' and 'Krishna Godavari', as geographical indication (GI) tags for its petro products.

The Mukesh Ambani-led RIL had sought the GI tag for five products, four with a prefix of 'Jamnagar' and one for Krishna Godavari Gas.

The company has now 'withdrawn' its applications for four products, including Jamnagar Petrol, Jamnagar Fuel, Jamnagar LPG and Jamnagar Diesel, while request for the registration of Krishra Godavari Gas has been 'abandoned', a senior official from Chennai-based Geographical Indication Registry said.

RIL, however, declined to comment on the issue.

The GI is a sign used on goods that have a specific geographical origin and possess qualities, reputation or characteristics that are essentially attributable to that region.

A GI status provides legal protection and facilitates for action in case of infringement. Further, it promotes economic prosperity of producers in a particular area. GIs are covered as an element of Intellectual Property Rights.

GL Verma, Assistant Registrar of Trade Marks & GI, said the applications of RIL for the term Jamnagar was facing opposition and now the company had withdrawn its applications.