Call to Thanjavur plate artisans to go for GI registration

"Registration of the Thanjavur Art Plate under the Geographical Indications Act 1999 of the Government of India, had given the necessary legal protection to the traditional craft from fake ones," S Ramamoorthy, Regional Director, Office of the Development Commissioner (Handicrafts), Union Ministry of Textiles said.

Participating in a workshop organised for Thanjavur Art Plate producers to get them to register as Authorised Users, under the GI Act here last evening, he said that GI registration not only conferred legal protection but helped to enlarge the market, thus giving economic benefits to the producer.

It would help the producers take legal action against fake product manufacturers.
The plates are exquisite and unique products of the artisans who engrave and emboss beautiful figures and images of different deities on brass or copper plates. They enjoyed patronage from art collectors. About 200 artisans are engaged in the production of Thanjavur Art Plates here.

"Realising the importance of this craft, the Development Commissioner (Handicrafts) had registered the product under GI Act, a part of Trade Related Aspect of Intellectual Properties (TRIPS) agreement -- an important instrument for protecting the originality of the traditional products," he said.

He wanted the producer groups of this craft to register as Authorised Users under the GI Act. This will give a logo to them which can be imprinted on the product and confer individual legal rights, which will boost its exports.

Thanjavur veena, Kancheepuram silk saris, Bavani jamakkalam (carpets )Madurai Sungadi sarees, Kovai Kora Cotton, Arni Silk, Salem silk, Thangalia craft, Eethamozhi Tall Coconut and Thanjavur dancing dolls are some of the products which have been registered under the GI Act