The essentials
Manipulating living organisms raises questions about safety, fairness and the welfare of animals. Using animals for biotechnology causes them suffering, and introducing a transgene may have unpredictable effects when the organism enters an ecosystem. Society therefore needs rules to regulate such activities.
In India, the Genetic Engineering Appraisal Committee (GEAC) decides on the validity of GM research and the safety of introducing GM organisms for public services.
Patents give the holder exclusive rights to an invention. Some companies have obtained patents on products and technologies that use genetic materials, plants and other biological resources long identified, developed and used by farmers and indigenous people of a country. For example, around 200,000 varieties of rice are estimated to exist in India, and India has 27 documented varieties of Basmati, known for its unique aroma and flavour. In 1997, an American company got patent rights on Basmati rice through the US Patent and Trademark Office, for a "new" variety derived from Indian farmers' varieties crossed with semi-dwarf varieties. Patents have also been sought on uses and products of turmeric and neem.
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. Industrialised nations are rich financially but poor in biodiversity and traditional knowledge, while developing countries such as India are rich in both. Traditional knowledge about bio-resources can be exploited to develop modern applications and save time, effort and money in commercialisation.
The Indian Parliament amended the Indian Patents Bill to take such issues into account, including patent terms, emergency provisions and research and development initiatives.
Common mistakes
- Biopiracy is not the same as obtaining a patent; it means use without authorisation or fair payment.
- GEAC is an Indian body, not an international one.