Goemkarponn Desk
PANAJI: TThe GI Registry in Chennai expressed reservations regarding the generic nature of the term, leading the State government to withdraw its Geographical Indication (GI) registration for “coconut vinegar.”
In response to an unstarred question from MLA Aleixo Lourenco, the Minister of Science and Technology, Atanasio Monserrate, stated that the application, which was submitted on May 1, 2019, was withdrawn on the advice of the GI Registry because of the generic nature of the name.
Monserrate pointed out that the widespread usage of “coconut vinegar” in certain Indian States makes it more difficult to qualify for GI status. According to the GI Act in effect, the name coconut vinegar is common in many Indian States, so the GI Registry did not accept it.
Therefore, the GI application for coconut vinegar, which had previously been filed, was withdrawn as suggested by the GI Registry, Chennai, due to its generic name issue. The application will be considered for re-filing again with proper documentary evidence for a suitable name.
