Story link: http://www.goodnewsindia.com/index.php/sieve/article/patents-for-places

The latest to get a patent for a product unique to a geography is Pochampally, whose sarees were being widely imitated. The Andhra Pradesh Handloom Weavers’ Cooperative Society [APCO] took the initiative to get what is known as Geographical Indication certificate.

In the last one year, sales of original Pochampally sarees have increased 25%. APCO is now trying to patent Ahimsa silk, whose yarn is produced without killing the silk-worm. Elsewhere, another famous Andhra produce, Kondapally toys are seeking GI certification as well.

All these are positive spin-offs under Trade Related Industrial Property Rights [TRIPS] that India gained as a signatory of the World Trade Organisation [WTO].