EC seeks views on Darjeeling tea patent
The European Commission has invited public comments on a proposal from India seeking protection for Darjeeling tea against grant of patent for the beverage leaves grown in the hilly region of West Bengal.
By PTI |
BRUSSELS: The European Commission has invited public comments on a proposal from India seeking protection for Darjeeling tea against grant of patent for the beverage leaves grown in the hilly region of West Bengal.
The proposal of the Darjeeling tea producers has been put on the EC website, spokesperson for agriculture and rural department Michael Mann said here. He said six months have been given for objections and comments before a decision is taken for grant of ���Geographical Indication��� (GI) to Darjeeling tea.
He said it was for the first time that a non-European has approached the EC for a GI protection. Under the WTO dispensation, if a GI is granted to a product specific to a climate area or a region, it should not be allowed to be patented for exclusive use.
Mr Mann said as many as 800 products are listed as enjoying GI protection in the 27-nation EU bloc. Earlier this year, a senior Tea Board official had said that Darjeeling tea has already been given this protection in Germany and UK.
Several Indian products, like Basmati rice, specific to its climate and certain regional unique features, were granted patents in the world compelling the Indian government to react strongly. Several such incidents took place in the US.
In all, India exported 203 million kg of tea, valued at Rs 2,392 crore in 2008. Major buyers included the UAE, UK, US, Iran, Japan, Australia, Germany and the Netherlands.
The proposal of the Darjeeling tea producers has been put on the EC website, spokesperson for agriculture and rural department Michael Mann said here. He said six months have been given for objections and comments before a decision is taken for grant of ���Geographical Indication��� (GI) to Darjeeling tea.
He said it was for the first time that a non-European has approached the EC for a GI protection. Under the WTO dispensation, if a GI is granted to a product specific to a climate area or a region, it should not be allowed to be patented for exclusive use.
Mr Mann said as many as 800 products are listed as enjoying GI protection in the 27-nation EU bloc. Earlier this year, a senior Tea Board official had said that Darjeeling tea has already been given this protection in Germany and UK.
Several Indian products, like Basmati rice, specific to its climate and certain regional unique features, were granted patents in the world compelling the Indian government to react strongly. Several such incidents took place in the US.
In all, India exported 203 million kg of tea, valued at Rs 2,392 crore in 2008. Major buyers included the UAE, UK, US, Iran, Japan, Australia, Germany and the Netherlands.
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