Imaginary IP

I came across an article published by ‘The Telegraph’ through Spicy IP on Geographical Indicator Patents which says:

“Pakistan opposes Jammu and Kashmir’s efforts to get a geographical indicator patent (GIP) on its centuries-old Sozni shawls, saying this embroidery craft is in vogue in its part of Kashmir, too. The neighbouring country’s traders want Sozni shawls made in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir included under the patent Kashmiri Sozni.”

I subscribe to several IP blogs and don’t often read any of them very carefully so when I first saw this post, the only words I initially saw were: ‘geographical indicator patent‘ and my blood ran cold wondering how I could have completely missed out on even knowing about the existence of some form of patent which was important enough to make the news.

Much to my relief, I then realised that the blog was merely reporting (an)other media mistake. Relieved though I am, I can’t imagine how a mistake like this could have crept into the story at all especially since geographical indicator disputes are, well, hardly a novelty anymore.
The Telegraph, however, is not alone in getting it wrong.

The Voice of America reports:

“Indian efforts to get a Geographical Indicator Patent registered for Kashmir Pashmina have hit a snag with opposition from neighboring Pakistan.” They go on to say that the GI patent registry is based in the south Indian city of Chennai. [2]

while The Tribune says:

“When the Srinagar-based Craft Development Institute applied for a Geographical Indicator Patent (GIP) with the Chennai-based GIP registry, Pakistan raised its objection under the Trade Related Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS), of the WTO regime.” [3]

Links:
[1] http://www.telegraphindia.com/1080222/jsp/nation/story_8934635.jsp
[2] http://www.voanews.com/english/2008-02-11-voa9.cfm
[3] http://www.tribuneindia.com/2008/20080214/j&k.htm