India has joined hands with Switzerland to seek a special dispensation for items other than wines and spirits which are accorded protection under geographical indications as per Article 23 of the Agreement on Trade Related Intellectual Property Rights (Trips).
Geographical indications serve in identifying a product as originating from a particular territory where certain characteristics are attributable to its geographical location.
India wants items like Basmati rice and Darjeeling tea to be accorded special dispensation under geographical indications so that they get the same protection as that provided to wines and spirits.
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Commerce department officials told Business Standard that a joint proposal is being submitted to the World Trade Organisation.