(a) the efforts that the Ministry is making to brand Khadi all over the world;
(b) whether some countries such as Germany are using Khadi as a brand and selling their products;
(c) if so, the details thereof and the steps taken by the Ministry to stop such things; and
(d) whether Khadi and Village Industries Commission (KVIC) has taken up any special scheme after Government came to power to brand and sell Khadi all over the world and if so, the details thereof?
MINISTER OF MICRO, SMALL AND MEDIUM ENTERPRISES
(SHRI NITIN GADKARI)
(a): Yes, Sir. Government in the Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises, through Khadi and Village Industries Commission (KVIC), has taken various initiatives to make Khadi an international brand. Details of the initiatives taken is placed at Annexure-I.
(b): Yes, Sir. In Germany, the Best Natural Products (BNP) has obtained registration of Trade Mark “Khadi” under classes-3,21,31 from the European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO) and selling the products like soap, perfumeries, hair oils etc.
(c): The following steps were taken by the Government to prevent/misuse of Trade Mark of ‘Khadi’:
i) KVIC had filed invalidation application against BNP and filed appeals in the matter; but it could not succeed.
ii) KVIC has filed application for revocation of the Trade Mark “KHADI” registered by BNP on the ground of non-use. The proceedings are pending.
iii) KVIC is also proposing to negotiate with BNP for assignment of its registered Trade Mark “KHADI” in favour of KVIC.
iv) Further, KVIC also filed fresh applications in EU under 13 classes i.e. 1, 3, 5, 16, 18, 20, 21, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 35.
(d): No, Sir; however, KVIC has already obtained registration under Trade Mark “KHADI” in 5 countries of the world viz. Germany, UK, Australia, Russia and China.