India Foils Colgate-Palmolive Bid to Patent Nutmeg Mouthwash

Introduction

India had foiled an attempt by consumer goods giant Colgate-Palmolive to patent a mouthwash formula containing herb extract by citing ancient texts that show it was traditionally used in ancient medicinal practices. 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 were in India and for 22 abroad. One (1) patents were granted in India and 14 abroad. 

Source

Press Information Bureau, July 16, 2015