Background
Scientific Name: Curcuma longa
Traditional Uses:
Used in Ayurveda and traditional Indian medicine for wound healing, anti-inflammatory, and antiseptic properties.
Commonly applied to cuts, burns, and skin conditions.
Used in cooking, religious rituals, and skincare.
The Patent Controversy
In 1995, the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) granted a patent (US Patent No. 5,401,504) to the University of Mississippi Medical Center for turmeric’s wound-healing properties.
The patent claimed novelty, despite turmeric being traditionally used in India for the same purpose.
Legal Action and Revocation of the Patent
In 1996, the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), India, challenged the patent, citing traditional knowledge and lack of novelty.
CSIR provided evidence from ancient Sanskrit, Urdu, and Hindi texts documenting turmeric’s medicinal use.
In 1997, the USPTO revoked the patent, recognizing the existence of prior art.
Impact of the Case
Set a global precedent for protecting traditional knowledge.
Led to the creation of the Traditional Knowledge Digital Library (TKDL) to prevent future biopiracy.
Highlighted the importance of thorough prior art searches in patent examination.
