Background Scientific Name: Azadirachta indica Traditional Uses: Used in Ayurveda and Unani medicine for its antifungal, antibacterial, and insecticidal properties. Used in agriculture as a natural pesticide. Neem oil is used in skin treatments and personal care products. The Patent Controversy In 1995, the European Patent Office (EPO) granted a patent (EP0436257B1) to W.R. Grace … Read more
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. … Read more
Introduction Traditional Knowledge (TK) refers to knowledge passed down through generations within communities, often related to medicinal plants, natural resources, and healing practices. Natural products, such as plant extracts, have significant commercial potential in industries like pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and agriculture. However, patenting TK and natural products is controversial due to concerns like biopiracy, exploitation of … Read more
Biopiracy refers to the exploitation of biological resources or traditional knowledge of indigenous communities without consent or compensation. It undermines indigenous rights, biodiversity conservation, and sustainable development. Examples of Biopiracy: Neem Tree Case (India): Neem (Azadirachta indica) has been used in India for pest control and medicinal purposes. A patent was granted for a neem-based … Read more
Bioprospecting refers to the systematic exploration of biological resources for commercially valuable genetic and biochemical properties. It is commonly used in pharmaceutical, agricultural, cosmetic, and other industries. Process of Bioprospecting: Exploration & Collection: Identify and collect biological resources, often in biodiversity-rich areas. Identification & Taxonomy: Classify species and assess traditional knowledge associated with them. Screening … Read more
Breeder’s Rights Plant Breeder’s Rights (PBR) or Plant Variety Protection (PVP) grant exclusive control over the propagating and harvested material of a new plant variety for a specified period (typically 20-25 years). Eligibility Criteria: A plant variety must be: Novel: Not commercially sold beyond a specified period. Distinct: Clearly distinguishable from existing varieties. Uniform: Consistently … Read more
Farmers’ rights refer to the rights of farmers to use, save, exchange, and sell traditional seeds and plant genetic resources. These rights are recognized under the International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture (ITPGRFA), which aims to promote conservation and sustainable use. Key Farmers’ Rights Right to Save Seeds: Farmers can save, … Read more
Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) are legal rights granted to individuals over their creations, allowing them exclusive control for a certain period. Types of Intellectual Property Rights Patents (for inventions) Copyrights (for literary and artistic works) Trademarks (for brand identity) Trade secrets (for confidential formulas and techniques, like the Coca-Cola recipe) Importance of IPR: Encourages Innovation: … Read more
A patent is a legal protection granted to an inventor for their invention, giving them exclusive rights to manufacture, use, and sell it for 20 years from the filing date. Patents encourage innovation by ensuring financial rewards for inventors. Patent Granting Process: Preparation: Document the invention, its purpose, working, and uniqueness. Patent Search: Check existing … Read more
Stability testing evaluates the physical, chemical, and microbiological properties of herbal drugs over time under different storage conditions. The primary goal is to determine the shelf life and ensure the drug maintains its quality throughout its intended duration. Objectives of Stability Testing To determine the shelf-life of herbal formulations. To assess changes in physical, chemical, … Read more
