Thailand investigates CPRAM patent for four holy basil varieties

Thai authorities have been urged to investigate the registration of four new holy basil varieties, ‘Kaewjuree 01–04’, by CPRAM Co., Ltd. The varieties were developed in collaboration with Kasetsart University and are protected under the Plant Variety Protection Act B.E. 2542 for a 12-year period from 2024 to 2036.

Legal expert and former Supreme Court judge Was Tingsamit clarified that the patent does not grant a monopoly over all holy basil in Thailand. The protection specifically covers the propagation materials, such as seeds and seedlings, of these specific varieties. Under the law, citizens retain the right to grow traditional varieties, purchase basil leaves for cooking, and use plants for household consumption or research without infringement.

The new varieties were developed using chromosome doubling and tissue culture techniques to enhance industrial traits like leaf size and aroma, rather than direct genetic modification. While public concern exists regarding the impact on farmers and food supply chains, legal experts note that the risk of natural cross-pollination affecting traditional crops is scientifically low.