Question

Why was Turmeric patent in news in 1997?

Answer 1

Turmeric patent was in the news in 1997 because India forcibly managed to make the Patent and Trademark Office of the US revoke a petition that the former had given to the US researchers to use turmeric in powdered form for healing wounds. This petition was given to the US in 1995.

Answer 2

Back in 1997, India successfully got the patent rights of Turmeric from the US patent and Trademark Office. India has successfully revoked the patent rights over Turmeric that was given to the United States.

India’s CSIR fought for the rights over Turmeric by spending $15,000 and by hiring a US patent lawyer. India claimed that Turmeric is a traditional medicinal plant which has its nativity to India. Indian scientists have also included records from ancient texts and Ayurveda texts about the usage of Turmeric and owned the patent rights of Turmeric.