Beyond Registration: Unpacking the Real-World Impact of Geographical Indication on Registered Users at the New Town Hosto Shilpo Mela, Kolkata

Abstract

This research explores the real-world impact of Geographical Indication (GI) registration on product holders at the New Town Hosto Shilpo Mela, an annual handicraft trade fair in Kolkata, India. Using a mixed methodology of doctrinal analysis and qualitative interviews with 60 GI product owners, the study examines the commercial behaviors and decision-making processes of registered GI holders.

The findings reveal a nuanced landscape: while some sellers effectively exploit their GI status for premium pricing, others lack awareness of its potential, leading to inconsistent market outcomes. Notably, certain sellers experienced a paradoxical decline in sales when charging higher prices for GI-tagged items.

The study highlights the need for improved consumer education, stricter regulations, and collaborative stakeholder efforts to enhance the commercial utility of GI products. It also underscores the broader socio-economic implications of GIs, particularly for marginalized communities. Recommendations are provided to refine policy and support the sustainable growth of GI markets.