Temporary Reprieve

The US Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO’s) decision on its re-examination of RiceTec’s patents on Basmati rice has once again stirred up parliament – the Lok Sabha had to be adjourned twice – and the media. And, typically, the reactions have run the complete range of emotions and opinions. According to the commerce ministry the commercial interests of Indian exporters of Basmati rice have been fully protected. That, clearly, is not the whole story.