Nestle Seeks To Patent Derivative From An Old Remedy

Nestle’s patent filing relating to the allergy-relief properties of the fennel flower have drawn fire from groups who say the company is attempting to gain rights over a product of nature. On its website Nestle defended its position, denying it was trying to claim ownership of the fennel plant. “Our patent application,” the company said, “relates only to the specific way that thymoquinone – a compound that can be extracted from the seed of the fennel flower – interacts with opioid receptors in the body and helps to reduce allergic reactions to food.” The case is yet another example of the blurred legal line between scientific discovery – and patentable product –  and products of nature.