India crosses 600 GIs, copyright applications hit 38,000 in FY24

Copyright registrations are also up significantly, reflecting a surge in creativity. AI's role in creative works needs careful consideration to ensure human creators are recognised. Overall, India's strong intellectual property base positions it well for future growth

India crosses 600 geographical indications (GIs). First time in history a whopping 160 applications have been registered in FY24. Uttar Pradesh has now become the leading state with over 60 GIs. The two Telugu States of Telangana and Andhra Pradesh need to catch up in registration of new products. There is huge potential for India to register more than 5,000 GIs in the next three years. The need to promote local and go global is the way forward. On March 31, 63 GIs were granted in one day.

While geographical indications registration has really caught the tempo, but there is an immense need of creating a demand with export market for making this sector flourish.

While Hyderabad Haleem has got a lot of traction in the last decade and with the holy month of Ramadan the sales are going to skyrocket other GIs need to pave their way up on the sales.

Hyderabad Lac Bangles the recent addition to the list needs to catch up in the coming days.

It's been a super year for copyright registrations also. With more than 38,000 application being granted and 36,000 application filed in the financial year shows a clear intent of a creative and innovative India.

These numbers will increase over the years. Dramatic and literary works have dominated the numbers in the copyright registrations in 2023-24.

Interestingly with artificial intelligence becoming predominant it will be interesting to see how the numbers of creative works and copyrights are going to increase. AI driven works will have to be treated separately on the basis of human vis a vis machine contribution and embedded technological advancements.

To conclude, geographical indications will play a major role in boosting the economic growth and with free trade agreements being worked out these will really help the cause and the promotion of exports. Also, there is need for more original works which will always stand above derivative works and help the author and the creator to make a mark of their own.

Artificial intelligence should be driven by natural intelligence to the extent it can improve and make a positive impact in lives rather than replacing natural intelligence.

(The author is Head IP & legal, Resolute Group of Companies)