The Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) Awareness Forum of Kochi will soon file opposition suits in US Courts against the move of two US companies trying to secure trademark rights on 'Ayurveda' in that country. Incidentally, it would be first of such cases for the Ayurvedic community in Kerala.

The decision comes in the wake of wholehearted support for the move offered by the Ayurvedic community in Kerala, including Ayurvedic medicine manufacturers, NGOs, academic community and other interested stakeholders, in response to a meet organized by IPR Awareness Forum yesterday in Kochi to discuss the issue.

"We were concerned about the financial commitment involved. But the meeting had good response from a number of well to do Ayurvedic drug manufacturers, and they have given us the confidence and promise to do the needful in this venture. We are meeting again on 30th of this month to elaborately discuss the issue, and will file the case immediately. We are in touch with our U.S. lawyers on this" Advocate K. Radhakrishnan Nair, president of IPR Awareness Forum told Pharmabiz.

It is to be noted Pharmabiz had recently reported Om Organics, an American Limited Liability Corporation, has filed a trademark application for "Ayurveda Organics" under international classification 005, for numerous basic Ayurvedic ingredients and herbal supplements. These include Turmeric, Gotu Kola, Flexibility formula, Bowel Care Formula, Liquid Minerals, Shilajit, Aswagandha, Shatavari, Triphala, Neem, Tulsi, Holy Basil, Massage Oils, Tongue Cleaners etc. The application was filed on November 9, 2003 with the US Trademark and Patent office.

Similarly, the applicant Zeman, Walter, of J Individual United States has filed trademark application on May 3,02 for word mark 'Bioregenesis Ayurveda Complex' for 30 odd goods and services related to drugs and herbal cosmetics. Though the U.S. patent office has published the same for filing any opposition since February 10, 2004, so far none has come forward to file any objection, same as in the case of Om Organics.