HT Correspondent
TEZPUR, June 18: Tezpur University’s Intellectual Property Rights Cell (TUIPR), in collaboration with the Assam Science Technology & Environment Council (ASTEC) and the Science Technology and Climate Change Department, government of Assam, organised a day-long program titled ‘Brainstorming Session on Prospects of Promoting Geographical Indications (GIs) of Assam’ on Tuesday at Tezpur University.
Dr Jaideep Baruah, director of ASTEC, graced the occasion as chief guest, and Er Biman Chandra Barua, head i/c of the Science & Technology Division at ASTEC, participated as a resource person. Speaking on the occasion, Dr Baruah, an expert in Intellectual Property Rights and GI promotion, delivered an insightful presentation on the economic benefits of GIs. He highlighted successful case studies from Assam and outlined the potential growth trajectory for Assam’s GI products. Examples such as muga silk of Assam, Assam orthodox tea, Tezpur litchi, judima, and Bodo eri silk were cited by Baruah to illustrate how GI status ensures quality and adds brand value. He emphasised that while GI registration is crucial, effective packaging and branding are equally essential for market success.
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Addressing the gathering, Prof Shambhu Nath Singh stated that the objective of the brainstorming session was to develop a comprehensive roadmap for enhancing business prospects for various stakeholders involved in registered GIs in the region. He urged the TUIPR cell and ASTEC to collaborate closely to facilitate the promotion of ethnic products through GIs.
In his inaugural address, Prof Pritam Deb, IPR chair professor at TUIPR, briefed the attendees that the session would benefit from the expertise of around 100 authorised users and registered proprietors of GIs, along with experts from diverse core and practical areas. Discussions included legal aspects of GIs, criteria for becoming an authorised user, obligations, innovative industrial designs to enhance GI-tagged products in domestic and international markets, and sustainable packaging strategies.
The event featured three technical sessions covering various facets of GIs in Assam. Additionally, craftsmen and Farmer Producer Groups (FPOs) working on 33 granted GIs of Assam, including muga silk, Assam orthodox tea, Tezpur litchi, judima, and Bodo eri silk, showcased their products in an exhibition.
