Write a short note on Biopiracy highlighting exploitation of developing countries by developed countries.

Use of bio-resources by MNCs and other organizations without authorization from the countries and people is called biopiracy. Some MNCs make some minor tweaking to get the patent on products or processes which have been under the domain of traditional knowledge of any country. By obtaining the patent, these companies get a license to exploit the worldwide market. This leaves the people (with traditional knowledge) at the losing end. Patent on turmeric by an American company is a good example of biopiracy. Turmeric is being used as an antiseptic in India since ages and hence is part of the traditional knowledge.