The Delhi High Court’s order in the legal battle between agro-biotech giant Monsanto and Indian seed giant, Nuziveedu, was a good prompt to write about the wired subject of patentability of plant biotech inventions in India.
This case presents a unique story as it has a complex background of monopoly in the technology, farmers rights and a nation that is continuously trying to balance IP rights vis-à-vis public interest. I will however, refrain from getting deep into all of that and focus on specific areas which I perceive will have large ramifications on patenting in this field.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Dr. Deepa K Tiku
Dr. Deepa Kachroo Tiku is a Partner with K&S Partners and has over 25 years of experience in biotechnology and biosciences, plant variety, and biodiversity domains.