No GI tag for Hyderabadi biriyani, applicant fails to provide supports

The 'Hyderabadi Biryani' has failed to secure the Geographical Indications tag as the applicant for it could not prove the historical origin and data relating to the delectable dish with supporting documents, according to the GI registry in Chennai.

The Deccani Biryani Makers Association here had applied for the GI tag through its Secretary Zubai Ahmed in 2009.

The fabled rice delicacy has been part of the Hyderabadi cuisine for nearly 400 years. Coming from the kitchen of the Nizams, it is loved world over by food connoisseurs for its distinct spices, taste and aroma.

A geographical indication points to a specific place or region of production that determines the characteristic qualities of the product which originates from that place.

It is important that the product derives its qualities and reputation from that place.

The application for registration of 'Hyderabadi Biryani' in GI was treated as abandoned as the applicant had failed to prove the historical data and origin of the product with supporting documents, the GI registry said in its order recently.

The Association had in 2009 filed an application before the Assistant Registrar of Geographical Indications in Chennai seeking the tag for Hyderabadi Briyani .

The GI registry found that there was a default in prosecution of the application within the time stipulated by the Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act 1999.

A show cause hearing was fixed on January 23, 2017 giving an opportunity to the applicant to prove the claims made in the application.

Chinnaraja G Naidu, Assistant Registrar of Trade Marks & Geographical Indications Registry, said the registry had issued examination reports thrice,directing the applicant to produce the documentary evidence about the historical data from the Gazetteer and proof of origin of the Hyderabadi Biryani.

"There was no reply from the applicant with regards to the examination reports. The applicant failed to turn up on the date of hearings and there was no representation on the date of these hearings," Naidu said.

The applicant failed to prove the historical origin of the product with supporting documents and failed to make use of the opportunities provided during the show cause hearing to prove the historical origin," the order said.
An appeal against against the decision could be filed in the Intellectual Property Appellate Board, Chennai within three months from the date of order, the applicant was informed.