Protecting and promoting traditional knowledge in India: what role for geographical indications?

Geographical indications (GIs) can help communities promote and protect markets for their biocultural products, and are gaining popularity globally as a tool for the protection and promotion of traditional knowledge. GIs specify the geographical origin of a product and link it with its essential qualities that are due to its place of origin. There are almost 200 registered biocultural products originating in India, covering a range of products from agricultural, handicrafts, manufactured goods, textiles and food stuff. This Working Paper outlines five case studies in India and seeks to explore the hypothesis that GIs can protect traditional knowledge and biocultural heritage.