What is a Geographical Indication Tag and Why is it Important?

A Geographical Indication (GI) Tag is a legal recognition that a product comes from a specific place and has qualities or a reputation linked to that location. Like Darjeeling Tea, Banarasi Saree, Mysore Sandalwood Oil, Kanchipuram Silk Sarees. 

The Tirupati Laddu has a GI tag, which means it can only be made and sold by the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) within the temple premises. No one else is allowed to sell or market it.

Unauthorized use of GI-tagged products violates intellectual property rights under the Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act, 1999, and can invite legal action.  It also undermines consumer trust and the authenticity of protected regional products.