In 1997, an American company obtained a patent on a basmati rice…
Contributed by StemPy LabTry it on paper first. A hint, the key idea and the worked solution are here when you need them.
In 1997, an American company obtained a patent on a basmati rice.
- Which office granted the patent?
- From which varieties had the new variety been derived?
- What does it mean that the patent extended to functional equivalents?
- Why did this make people angry in India?
Need a reminder? The key ideaShow
Biopiracy is the use of bio-resources by multinational companies and other organisations without proper authorisation from the countries and people concerned, and without compensatory payment. Developing countries are rich in biodiversity and traditional knowledge. In 1997 an American company obtained a patent on a basmati rice that was derived from varieties of Indian farmers. Neem and turmeric are other examples of attempts to patent uses, products and processes based on plants that are used by farmers and communities.
The worked solution
Have you tried it?
Work it out on paper first. It is fine to get stuck or make a mistake: that is how we learn. When you are ready, go through the solution one step at a time, and check each step against your own.
Step 1. (a) The US Patent and Trademark Office.
Step 2. (b) From the varieties of Indian farmers. Indian basmati was crossed with semi-dwarf varieties, and the result was claimed as an invention.
Step 3. (c) Other people who sell basmati that is equal in function could be restricted by the patent.
Step 4. (d) Farmers and indigenous people had identified, developed and used the rice for a long time. A foreign company gained rights over it, without authorisation and without payment. This is a case of biopiracy.
Answer: (a) the US Patent and Trademark Office; (b) the varieties of Indian farmers; (c) other sellers of basmati could be restricted; (d) biopiracy of the knowledge and the varieties of farmers.
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