India Prevents Attempt By Colgate-Palmolive To Patent Mouthwash Formula

By citing ancient texts about the traditional use of herb extracts in ancient medicinal practices, Indian scientists have hindered the consumer goods giant Colgate-Palmolive from obtaining a patent for their mouthwash formula containing those extracts.

Traditional Knowledge Digital Library of Council of Scientific & Industrial Research (CSIR-TKDL) had submitted proof in the form of references from ancient books, which said the herb and its extracts of Myristica Fragrans were used for oral diseases in Indian systems of medicine.

In addition, other third party observations also made submissions against the claims. Meanwhile, various institutions of CSIR filed applications for 14 patents in India and for 22 abroad in the month of April 2015. Out of these one patent was granted in India and 14 abroad.

Source: PIB