Geographical indications in India: A case of Handicraft industry in Uttar Pradesh

The Handicraft industry plays a significant and pivotal role in the country's economy. It employs a significant number of artisans in rural and semiurban areas and generates significant foreign exchange for the country, all while preserving the cultural heritage. In the Indian context, geographical indication (GI) has recently emerged as a substantial form of intellectual property rights. It is a powerful instrument for safeguarding and rewarding not only the commercial potential of exclusive products but also the traditional knowledge that accompanies them. GI has the potential to revitalize the handicraft sector, but if it is merely seen as intellectual property, the industry's interests are jeopardized. Handicraft products account for over 55% of all GI-registered products in India, followed by agricultural products (31%). The predicament of the Artisans has deteriorated over time. One of several main reasons for the deterioration of Uttar Pradesh's handicraft industry is that artisans in the region still do not fully understand GI. The present study gives an overview of the current status of registered GIs in Uttar Pradesh. More importantly, this will also highlight the major challenges of GI implementation in the traditional handicraft sector in Uttar Pradesh.