Abstract

Biopiracy, the unauthorized exploitation of biological resources and traditional knowledge, is a significant concern in India, a country rich in biodiversity and cultural heritage. Traditional knowledge systems like Ayurveda, Siddha, and Unani have been targeted by corporations and researchers who patent these resources for financial gain. This practice undermines the contributions of indigenous communities, raising critical issues around equity and intellectual property rights.Notable cases, such as the patenting of turmeric, neem, and basmati rice, highlight how multinational corporations exploit gaps in global intellectual property frameworks like the TRIPS agreement. These actions deprive local communities of recognition and fair compensation while threatening India’s biodiversity.India has taken measures to combat biopiracy, including the establishment of the Traditional Knowledge Digital Library (TKDL) to prevent wrongful patents and the enactment of the Biological Diversity Act, 2002, to protect resources and ensure benefit-sharing. However, enforcement challenges persist due to complex international legal frameworks and limited local awareness. A balanced approach is needed to ensure innovation while safeguarding the rights of traditional knowledge custodians.