4 ms·

They even patented turmeric http://www1.american.edu/ted/turmeric.htm http://www1.american.edu/ted/turmeric.htm

• Groxx 16y ago
  Well, its use as a medicine. And it was overturned. But still. Wow. Really makes you trust the effectiveness of the patent office, don't it?
  • noonespecial 16y ago
    Overturned or not, the notion that a big powerful entity with irresistible weapons can suddenly show up and demand impossible payment for things you've been doing for 1000's of years based simply on a bit of paper written in a language unintelligible to you should be terrifying. It sounds like a science fiction writers dream, however. Sounds like a fabulous "District 9" sequel. The aliens return not for vengeance, but royalties!
  • flashgordon 16y ago
    actually regarding the effectiveness of the patent office.. i think it sort of comes down to (dis)incentives.. rejecting a patent on any ground requires explanation by the patent clerk.. and to make it worse, some of the compensation is actually proportional to how many patents they approve (some how indicating that they have gone through it)... combine the two (hard work to explain a rejection, and reward for number of acceptances) you have no regard of prior art or novelty or worse obviousness. I dont see why developing countries (or any entity) has to put up with and accept such shoddy practices purely because they benefit the entities with powerful lobbies (patent attorneys and large companies with enough resources to pursue litigation)...