Amendments to the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority Act, 1985

The Union Cabinet today gave its approval to amend the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority Act (APEDA Act) to vest it with statutory authority for registration and protection of intellectual property rights or similar rights (including Geographical Indications) in the special product names in India and elsewhere.

The registration of Basmati Rice, etc. as a Geographical Indication under the Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act 1999 can be initiated and APEDA can effectively protect the Geographical Indication in India and abroad.

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