HP's Kinnauri shawls get GI tag

The famous Kinnauri shawl of Himachal Pradesh has joined the club of intellectual property right (IPR) protected goods as it has been granted Geographical Indication (GI) tag by the government.
Kinnauri shawl has been registered under the Geographical Indication Act, a spokesman for the Himachal Pradesh Patent Information Centre (HPPIC)--which comes under State Council for Science, Technology and Environment--said today.
Kinnauri shawl is the fourth traditional product of Himachal Pradesh that has been granted GI tag. Kullu shawl, Kangra tea and Chamba Rumal are already in the club of protected goods.
The Registration of Kinnaur shawl under GI would prevent the unauthorised production as well as misuse of the brand name of Kinnauri shawl originating from a place, other than the place of origin.
Any unauthorised use and infringement of the registered Geographical Indication, by producers, other than from the place of origin of these products could attract imprisonment upto three years and maximum fine of Rs 2 lakh.