Question

What is a biopatent? Give any two examples.

Answer 1

Bio-patent is also called a patent or biological patent. It is a form of intellectual property. The main purpose of introducing patenting in biology is to ensure the financial returns for those who have invested heavily.

Complete answer:
Generally patent is a document that is issued by the government which allows the holder i.e patentee which allows exclusive right to manufacture, use, or sell an invention (any type of invention) for a given period of time ( usually 20 years ). The patent is regarded as a legal document that safeguards the privileges and rights of an invention/inventor.
Examples:
- Basmati rice
- Natures neem products

Additional information:
The story of the basmati rice patent battle: generally Basmati rice is preferred due to its fragrant taste, it was actually developed by Indian farmers from ancient times, but Texan company RiceTec which was established in 1990 obtained a patent for a cross-breed with American long-grain rice.

In 1997, an American company named RiceTec Inc was granted a patent by the US patent office which was established in 1975 to call the aromatic rice grown outside India 'Basmati'.

In an official release regarding patent rights, the government of India reacted immediately after learning about the Basmati patent issued which is linked to RiceTec Inc., the Indian government had talked to the US patent office and recommended them to re-examine the patent to a United States firm to grow and sell rice under the Basmati brand name in order to protect.

Note: A patent is a type of intellectual property. Gives its owner the legal right. It excludes others from making, using, or selling an invention for a limited period of years in exchange for publishing an enabling public disclosure of the invention.