[Buddha-l] Internet activist Aaron Swartz commits suicide Re Library.nu

[Jo]

Hi Chris,

Thanks for the news about patenting yoga asanas and the Traditional
Knowledge Digital Library link. I'm guessing that those in the USA who want
to patent yoga will 'invent' their 'own' asanas in order to get patents. One
wonders how hard the Indian government is working to interfere with this
process, other than listing such items on their Trad. Database. Or if they
can even afford prosecuting.   So much revenue destined for the government
there is siphoned off by corruption as deposits in secret bank accounts
outside the country. 
(Recent reminiscence--Mitt Romney, anyone?)

Joanna
------------------------------

On Behalf Of Christopher Fynn
Sent: Tuesday, January 15, 2013 10:09 PM

Re greed

Did you know that people have actually tried (and managed) to patent yoga
asanas in the USA?

The Indian government created  a Traditional Knowledge Digital Library
database in order to prevent pharmaceutical companies trying to patent
traditional medical formulations.(bio-piracy) It now also includes things
like Yoga asanas  because people started getting patents on these in the
U.S.A.

Link: Traditional Knowledge Digital Library http://www.tkdl.res.in/

http://www.tkdl.res.in/tkdl/PressCoverage/important_news/VOANews_11-06-2010.
pdf

"The US Patent and Trademark office has reportedly issued 150 yoga-related
copyrights, 134 trademarks on yoga accessories and 2,315 yoga trademarks"

http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2007-05-18/india/27888083_1_yoga
-enthusiasts-yoga-related-copyrights-bikram-choudhary