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Source- The post is based on the article “The Lotus Position” published in “The Times of India” on 23rd June 2023.
Syllabus: GS1- Indian culture
Relevance– Ancient Indian system of medicine
News– The article explains the threat to universal reach of yoga from present system of patent
How can the universal reach of Yoga can be ensured?
Yoga should be free from copyrights, free from patents and free from royalty payments. This ancient Indian wisdom and science should help humanity live a healthier life. Then, yoga will work well for the poor as for the rich.
But if some Western brands trademark the asana or breathing exercise, it is out of universal reach.
Why is the patent regime is discriminatory for the traditional knowledge system of developing countries?
Much as the patent regime has helped the world by promoting innovations. It has also been exploitative of developing countries.
The prior existing knowledge that has been passed down through the generations is not considered equal to the knowledge published in Western journals and databases.
It took concerted effort to beat back a US patent for turmeric wound-healing products due to the unfair patent regime. Biopiracy is a constant danger.
