‘Gamocha’ a symbol of the culture and identity of Assam, has received the Geographical Indication (GI) tag from the central government. A ‘gamocha’ literally means a towel and is commonly used in Assamese households for day-to-day affairs.

For specific purposes, it is also made of expensive materials like traditional Assamese ‘Pat’ silk and in different colours as well. A ‘gamocha‘ meant for exchange during ‘Bihu’ festival is known as ‘Bihuwan’.

The ‘gamocha’, a handwoven rectangular cotton piece of cloth with red borders and different designs and motifs, is traditionally offered to elders and guests as a mark of respect and honour by Assamese people. It is an integral part of all socio-religious ceremonies in the state and is considered as an Assamese identity and pride.

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A GI is a sign, tag that can be issued for agricultural, natural, or manufactured goods, products that have a specific geographical origin and possess qualities or a reputation or other characteristics that are due to that origin. A GI registration gives the registered proprietor and authorized users the legal right to the exclusive use of the GI, and no unauthorized person can use the tag. Some of the examples of GI are Mysore Silk, Mysore Agarbathi, Kancheepuram Silk, Orissa Ikat, Channapatna Toys & Dolls, and Coimbatore Wet Grinder.

Products sold with the GI tag get premium pricing; It boosts exports; The poor farmers/artisans from the given region have to face less competition from fake guys selling bogus products. Right is enjoyed by a community/association of producers=community right. Under WTO– Trade-related Intellectual property rights (TRIPS), the Member nations have to respect geographical indications.

A GI is different from Trade Mark. A Trademark generally refers to a “brand” or “logo be obtained for a business name, distinctive catch phrases, taglines, or captions. The product comes from a particular enterprise/company, Right enjoyed by only one person/company=individual right. Can be goods (mobile, PC etc) or service (e.g.music, spa, etc.). a trademark can last forever, so long as the owner continues to use the mark in commerce to indicate the source of goods and services. Identifies and distinguishes the source of the goods of one party from those of others

A patent is a limited duration property right or instrument of monopoly relating to an invention, in exchange for public disclosure of the invention.  Patentable materials include machines, manufactured articles, industrial processes, and chemical compositions.A patent gave rights To Exclude Others from Practicing ones Invention; It Does Not Give The Right To Use ones Invention.

A copyright protects works of authorship; songs, books, movies, and works of art that have been tangibly expressed in a physical form.