Rajshahi, Chapai both get GI certificate for Fazli

The juicy Fazli variety of mangoes has been declared as "Rajshahi-Chapainawabganj’s Fazli mango" concluding the hearing about the ownership of the fruit as both the neighbouring district claimed that Fazli mango is their own.

The Department of Patents, Designs, and Trademarks (DPDT) of the Ministry of Industries announced the Geographical Indication (GI) certificate for Fazli mango on Tuesday. According to the World Intellectual Property Organisation, GI is a stamp used on products that have a specific geographical origin.

Alim Uddin, chief scientific officer of Rajshahi Mango Research Centre confirmed the matter to UNB.

The full judgment will be published next Sunday, he added.

If any side has an objection to the judgment, they have been directed to go to court within the next two months.

The GI of Fazli mango will be published in the gazette after two months if they do not go to court.    

On October 6, 2021, DPDT published an article in its GI journal declaring Fazli mango as "Rajshahi's Fazli mango". The state agency also published it in two international journals as Rajshahi Fruit Research Centre applied for it on March 9, 2017.

Later, Chapainawabganj Krishi Association opposed the GI of Rajshahi for Fazli mango claiming Fazli is its fruit. In this situation, DPDT arranged the hearing.

Alim Uddin, chief scientific officer of Rajshahi Mango Research Centre, and Munzer Alam, general secretary of Chapainawabganj Krishi Association have participated in the hearing on behalf of the respective district.

Alim Uddin said they will take further steps after getting a full copy of the judgment, reports UNB.