INDIA, August 10, 2015 (Indian Express): In a move that will help thwart attempts by foreign MNCs and individuals to get patents and trademark on ancient yoga techniques, the government has shortlisted over 1,500 asanas and videographed over 250, classifying them as “traditional knowledge” of the country. The initiative will be a part of the Traditional Knowledge Digital Library (TKDL), a unit of Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) of the Ministry of Science and Technology, which challenges claims made at several patent offices across the globe by individuals and MNCs.
“Our experts have identified over 1,500 yoga techniques from the literature available from our ancient texts and what is available now. Nearly 250 asanas have been video graphed already. It should take five or six months to complete the process, after which it can be the part of the database. “Once that happens, any attempt to claim patent on the Indian yoga techniques practiced since ancient time can be thwarted,” said Archana Sharma, head of TKDL.
The government decided to form the TKDL after the bitter experience of some MNCs claiming patents for neem and turmeric in the last two decades. Getting a patent issued to a US MNC revoked for turmeric, alone cost over a million dollars in legal expenses, travel and other costs.