UPSC 2010: In order to comply with TRIPS Agreement, India enacted the Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration & Protection) Act, 1999. The difference/differences between a “Trade Mark” and a Geographical Indication is/are 1. A Trade Mark is an individual or a company’s right whereas a Geographical Indication is a community’s right. 2. A Trade Mark can be licensed whereas a Geographical Indication cannot be licensed. 3. A Trade Mark is assigned to the manufactured goods whereas the Geographical Indication is assigned to the agricultural goods/products and handicrafts only. Which of the statements given above is/are correct ?

1) A trade mark identifies and is owned by a specific person or company, while a Geographical Indication (GI) denotes goods collectively produced in a particular area, so it is a community right. 2) Trade marks may be licensed or assigned, but Section 24 of India’s GI Act prohibits assignment, transmission or licensing of a GI; only ‘authorised users’ in the area may use it. 3) GIs are not confined to agricultural items; they also cover manufactured and industrial goods and handicrafts (e.g., Kanchipuram silk, Kolhapuri chappal). Thus statements 1 and 2 are correct, 3 is incorrect. ([interjusticelawfirm.com](https://interjusticelawfirm.com/en/transfer-of-intellectual-property-rights/?utm_source=openai))