Patent Ayurveda

Ayurveda is getting its due recognition across the world as a rational system of medicine, despite the fact that the medical and scientific fraternity of the world has very strong contrasting opinions regarding the safety and efficacy of Ayurvedic medicines.

Meanwhile, the provisions of Intellectual Property Rights under the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) and patents have attracted many individuals and organizations to explore the potential for commercial benefits with Ayurvedic traditional knowledge.

Although the rules do not favor granting a patent on previously published knowledge, the grant of a Biopiracy Managed Patent on Ayurvedic medicinal plant knowledge has been successfully tested in the context of the Traditional Knowledge Digital Library (TKDL)’s database.

The present provisions of the Patent Act of India are of a restrictive nature for obtaining patents on Ayurvedic medicines. There is an urgent need to amend patent laws with practical promotional policies if we are to invite researchers from basic sciences to ensure the quality, safety, and efficacy of Ayurvedic medicines.

This will encourage more patents on many pharmaceuticals, nutraceuticals, and cosmeceutical products based on Ayurveda. Since every action in today’s world is based on economic parameters, why should the stakeholders of Ayurveda be deprived of it? New inventions will accept Ayurveda as a global system of medicine.

Keywords: Ayurvedic Pharmaceuticals, Cosmetics, IPR, Nutraceuticals, Product Patent, TKDL