The cabinet division on Thursday approved the draft of ‘The Geographical Indication (GI) (Registration and Protection) Act 2013’ with the provision of patent rights for Bangladesh for its unique products.
The meeting was chaired by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and Cabinet Secretary Muhammad Musharraf Hossain Bhuiyan briefed media afterwards.
Cabinet secretary said the proposed law will protect Bangladesh’s claim to its unique products like hilsha, jamdanisaree, nakshikantha, mango varieties and others.
“The proposed law will also help expand the market for these goods,” he added.
The draft consisted of 48 sections as opposed to the 89 sections of Geographical Indication (GI) Act 2011.
Industry ministry officials said the important features included process of registration and legal assistance in claiming the right of indigenous goods in the international market.
According to the draft, the ministry of industries will open a GI wing under the Department of Patents, Designs and Trademarks, with its chief as the registrar of geographical indications of goods.
To register a product, the association or co-operative of a product will have to apply. No individual is eligible for registration.
Any opposition to the registration must be given to the GI wing within 60 days after publication of a newspaper circular to this regard.
Registration will be valid for ten years with an option of renewal for a further ten years.
Counterfeit applications will result in a maximum of three years imprisonment or Tk200,000 fine, or both.
Under sections 22, 23 and 24 of the GI Act 1999, a country now has the right to protect and patent famous, exceptional and extraordinary products originating within its geographical territory.
