Controversial patents in India includes patents surrounded by controversies due to various reasons like disputes over patent validity, infringement, ethical concerns, public health implications, and more.
SOME OF THE MOST CONTROVERSIAL PATENTS IN INDIA
Novarti‘s Gleevec Patent: Cancer drug controversial patent
In 2013, the Indian Supreme Court rejected Novartis’ patent application for the cancer drug Gleevec (Imatinib Mesylate). The decision was significant as it reinforced India’s stance on not granting patents for incremental improvements to existing drugs and helped protect access to affordable generic versions of essential medicines.
Monsanto’s Bt Cotton Patent: cotton seed controversial patent
The patenting of genetically modified Bt Cotton by Monsanto (now part of Bayer) led to debates around seed prices, farmers’ rights, and the impact on the agricultural sector. There were concerns about the high costs of patented seeds and issues related to intellectual property rights in the farming community.
Basmati Rice Patent Dispute: Rice name controversial patent
In the late 1990s, a controversy arose when the US Patent and Trademark Office granted a patent to a Texas-based company for a strain of basmati rice. This sparked outrage in India as basmati rice is a traditional Indian variety. The Indian government challenged the patent, leading to its eventual revocation.