Question : Traditional Knowledge Digital Library

Will the Minister of AYURVEDA, YOGA AND NATUROPATHY, UNANI, SIDDHA AND HOMOEOPATHY (AYUSH) be pleased to state:

(a) whether the Government has formalised any plan for having public access to the Traditional Knowledge Digital Library (TKDL) database;

(b) if so, the details thereof;

(c) if not, the reasons therefor;

(d) the number and details of cases where the usage of TKDL database has proved as an effective deterrent against biopiracy and resulted in protection of traditional knowledge; and

(e) the number of pre-grant opposition cases, filed by TKDL, pending at various international patent offices?

ANSWER
THE MINISTER OF STATE (IC) OF THE MINISTRY OF AYURVEDA,
YOGA & NATUROPATHY, UNANI, SIDDHA AND HOMOEOPATHY
(SHRI SHRIPAD YESSO NAIK)
(a) & (b): Yes, the Government of India vide its National Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) Policy agreed that Public research institutions should be allowed access to TKDL for further R&D. Possibility of using TKDL for further R&D by private sector may also be explored, provided necessary safeguards are in place to prevent misappropriation’.
(c): Does not arise.
(d) & (e): As per the information provided by the TKDL Unit, Council for Scientific & Industrial Research (CSIR), the implementing agency of TKDL Project, in 219 cases, the usage of TKDL database has proved as an effective deterrent against bio-piracy and thereby resulted in protection of traditional knowledge. Around 700 pre-grant opposition cases filed by TKDL, are pending at various international patent offices.
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