Biopiracy

Biopiracy is defined as ‘theft of various natural products and then selling them by getting patent without giving any benefits or compensation back to the host country’.

or

It is an unauthorised misappropriation of any biological resource and indigenous knowledge.

• Biopiracy is the unauthorised use or patenting of biological resources and traditional knowledge without giving compensation to the original owners.
• It mainly occurs when developed countries exploit the rich biodiversity and traditional knowledge of developing countries.
• Traditional knowledge includes information about agriculture, medicines, and conservation practices passed through generations.
• Biopiracy harms indigenous communities by denying them rights, benefits, and recognition for their knowledge.
• Common examples include the patenting of neem, basmati rice, and turmeric (haldi) by foreign companies, which were later challenged and revoked.