Transnational Geographical Indications in India: Issues and Concerns of ‘PISCO’

Abstract

Transnational GIs are those GIs ‘which originates from an area that covers regions, territory or locality of two or more countries where a given quality, reputation or other characteristic of the good is essentially attributable to its geographical origin extending over those countries.’ In certain cases of transnational GIs, conflicts arise among the countries where it is produced on who should be the actual GI right holder. Such a kind of contentious GI is Pisco which is claimed by two neighbouring South American countries, Peru and Chile. The Pisco conflict reached the Indian shores and has been a major disputed area. The article focuses on the issues and concerns of transnational GIs giving special focus on Pisco and suggests ways of resolving such conflicts.