7th January , 2012

UK Company’s ginger patent bid foiled

A patent application filed in March 2006 at the UK patent office by London-based Nicholas John Larkins has been rejected. The British pharmaceutical company had attempted to patent a composition using ginger (Zingiber officinale) and kutki plant (Picrorhiza kurroa) for the treatment of excess mucous production.

India opposed the claims and the department of AYUSH and CSIR through the Traditional Knowledge Digital Library (TKDL) provided evidence from age-old ayurveda and unani books, dating back to the 18th century that cited the use of ginger and kutki being used alone or in combination with other ingredients to treat cough, bronchial asthma and lung diseases.

The UK patent office rejected the application on the basis of proof provided by Indian authorities in April last year.

GI tag for Bobbili veena

The famous Bobbili veena, an Indian musical instrument known for its distinctive design and high-quality craftsmanship has been conferred the Geographical Indication (GI) certification.

The GI tag authenticates the veena's unique qualities and the craftsmen from Bobbili now own the legal rights to manufacture this musical instrument which is usually made of a single log of wood of the Jackfruit tree and has no joints.

These instruments earlier made from elephant tusks and stag horns were patronized by the kings of Bobbili. Now they are made by the Sarwasiddi community in Gollapalli near Bobbili in the Vizianagaram district of Andhra Pradesh. They make nearly 150-200 veenas every year. Miniature models of this intricately made musical instrument to be used as decorative art pieces are always in demand. Each instrument costs approximately $6500 (Rs. 305500).

The Craft Development Centre (CDC) in Gollapalle of Vizianagaram district had applied for patent rights three months ago.

 

Tilaknagar Industries triumphs in trademark case

A Netherland based spirits company filed a petition in the Bombay High Court seeking to restrain Tilaknagar Industries from the use of the trademark ‘Mansion House’ and ‘Savoy Club' on products sold in India.

UTO Nederland and Distilleerderji en Likeurstokerji Herman Jansen claimed that they own the trademarks 'MANSION HOUSE','MH', 'MHB' and 'SAVOY CLUB' and alleged that Tilaknagar Industries has infringed their copyright by printing the labels on its products.

UTO and Tilaknagar were in a technical collaboration but ended their relationship in the '90s, and Tilaknagar registered the brand as its own in 1993. The trademark has been renewed and is being used incessantly by Tilaknagar.

The court has held that there was no similarity between the labels used by the two parties and dismissed the petition. Tilaknagar Industries produces Indian Made Foreign Liquor and owns brands including Mansion House Brandy, Madiraa Rum, Senate Royale Whiskey and White House Premium Whiskey, with its main distillery operations in Shrirampur district of Maharashtra, India.

 

Thailand confers GI Status to Napa Valley

According to the Napa Valley Vintners (NVV) Association representing more than 420 wineries in Northern California’s Napa Valley, Thailand has recognized the Napa Valley geographic indication for wine.

The Geographic Indication (GI) Status would protect the American wine region from misuse of its name in wine labeling in that country.

The NVV is a California-based regional nonprofit trade association which worked directly with Thailand’s Department of Intellectual Property to attain the GI registration, which states, “The combination of Napa Valley’s unique geography, climate, geology and the winemaking traditions as well as the human skills of the Napa Valley vintners give Napa Valley wine its distinctive taste and unique characters.”

 

Hero Eco acquires UK's Ultra Motors

Hero Eco has acquired UK-based electric 2-wheeler maker, Ultra Motors intending to strengthen its presence globally in the electric vehicle sector.

Hero Eco is the newly formed umbrella unit by Vijay Munjal-led companies that include Hero Electric, Hero Exports, Hero Cycles, Mediva, Winn and Hero Ecotech. The company plans to set up an electric vehicle facility in North America within the next 18 months and will be venturing into high-end bicycles in India under a new brand Winn.

Ultra Motors has 3 plants, its main manufacturing plant in Taiwan and two contract assembly plants in China and has sales networks in 22 countries around the world. The contract manufacturing activities of the two Chinese plants will shift to India in 6-8 months.