Scientists' interest v the public's

Patent bill may be pushed through Parliament without debate THE Ministry of Science and Technology has introduced a bill in the Parliament that may make life-saving drugs unaffordable for poor people. The bill gives scientists and researchers in government-funded universities the right to patent innovations and research outcomes. This includes

Mind your language Intellectual property police could be lurking with intent

going by recent developments in the world of intellectual property disputes, it appears that being extremely cautious while dipping into one's lexicographical reservoir will not qualify as a form of litigation-induced paranoia. Consider this seemingly innocuous tableau. You are in the company of friends, say, at India Gate, enjoying a cool, nocturnal respite from a gruelling, incinerating summer day with an ice cream in hand.

Amul loses its sugar-free market

in an interim injunction on April 3, 2007, the Delhi High Court stayed the sale of Amul's new sugar-free ice cream until May 3. This came in response to a case filed by Ahmedabad-based drug and health food company, Zydus Cadila Ltd, on April 2, 2007, claiming infringement of its trademark rights of the phrase "sugar-free" in Amul's new product. Cadila also sought a compensation of Rs 25 lakh from Amul for causing damage to its reputation.