'Puneri Pagadi' secures intellectual property rights

Pune, Apr 17 (ANI): A local organisation in Pune has succeeded in securing intellectual property rights for the 'Puneri Pagadi' or traditional Marathi turban.

Pune based organisation 'Shree Puneri Pagadi Sangha' had submitted an application before the Geographical Indication Registry seeking GI (geographical indication) tag and geographical exclusivity for the turban.

The GI status for the turban was sought under 'Article 25' which deals with clothing footwear and headgear. The step was taken so as to protect the culture and heritage and promote the commerce attached to the turban.

A number of people including students had joined in the campaign for securing the special status for the turban.

"The people have worked day and night for this unique product. They got all the required information, conducted research and drafted the application. The people contributed with all ways possible to get the rights for this product," said Ganesh Hingamire, president of the Shree Puneri Pagadi Sangha.

Many students came forward to be part of the campaign. Exclusive ground research was done before submitting the application to the GI committee.

The manufacturers were inquired about the uniqueness of the turban.

"After the ground research, when we understood that the turban is applicable for intellectual property rights, we submitted the application in Chennai. The response was good. After applying, there was a small opposition period. We finally got the certificate," said Rahul Dhotre, a student and member of the group.

The GI tag aims at promoting commerce of the manufacturers of a particular commodity that is unique to a particular geographical area. The GI is covered under the Intellectual property Rights. By Shivaji (ANI)