India : Kutchi craftsmen apply for geographical patent indicator

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Kutchi craftsmen apply for geographical patent indicator

26
May '09

The Kutchi weavers, Jamnagar bandhini artisans and Ajrak printing craftsmen, who are trying to protect their traditional knowledge by patenting them under the Geographical Indication Act (GIA) will soon join the league of the traditional embroiders of Kutch. These traditional embroiders have got their traditional craft patented last year.

Efforts have also been taken to patent wood carving, pottery, lacquer work, batik and cowbells specific to the region, in the next phase, for which the stakeholders of Kutchi handicrafts formed an association. The GIA protects the particular form of handicrafts from its misuse and commercialization by patenting it in the name of community that holds the traditional wisdom of crafting it.

The Kutchi embroidery was patented last year, in the name of embroidery workers from the community under GIA. The stakeholders in the other forms of handicrafts have now come together to protect the traditional crafts that could be called quintessentially Kutchi. The process of patenting Kutchi weaving started in the month of November last year, said Mr. Pankaj Shah, founding member of Khamir.

Khamir is an organization that initiated the process. Mr. Shah further informed that a month ago the stakeholders and weavers have formed a committee which includes the weavers of Kutch, NGOs working in this sector, buyers, traders, Indian Merchant Chambers and members of ATIRA.

Fibre2fashion News Desk - India

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