Global Rice News

Delhi High Court has closed a lawsuit filed by three Pakistani entities over the India-Pakistan Basmati rice Intellectual Property (IP) dispute. The entities had argued that India’s export of Basmati rice under the same name would lead to passing off, as Pakistan already had a rice variety called ‘Super Basmati.’

The lawsuit was initially filed in 2008, and the court had granted an interim injunction against India’s export of Basmati rice in November 2008. However, the Pakistan entities failed to pursue the case further, leading to its closure.

Basmati rice is a long-grain aromatic rice known for its fragrance and flavor. It is primarily grown in the Indian subcontinent, with India and Pakistan being the leading producers and exporters. The dispute between the two countries arises from the claim of geographical indication (GI) and the exclusivity of the Basmati rice term.

Geographical indication refers to the protection granted to products that have specific geographical origins and possess qualities and reputation associated with that region. India has been seeking GI protection for Basmati rice to ensure its exclusivity and prevent other countries from using the term.

The closure of the lawsuit by the Delhi High Court is seen as a significant development in favor of the Indian Basmati rice industry. It allows India to continue exporting Basmati rice without any restrictions or legal challenges from Pakistan.

India’s Basmati rice exports have been increasing steadily over the years. According to statistics, India exported around 4.63 million metric tons of Basmati rice in the fiscal year 2020-2021, generating revenue of approximately $3.4 billion. Pakistan, on the other hand, exported only 0.6 million metric tons during the same period.

The closure of the lawsuit provides a boost to Indian rice exporters, allowing them to capitalize on the growing demand for Basmati rice in international markets. It also reaffirms India’s position as the leading player in the global Basmati rice market.

For more information on rice exporters and suppliers, visit websites like Has Rice (https://www.hasrice.com) and Pakistan Rice (https://www.pakistanrice.com). These platforms offer a vast range of rice products, including white broken rice, Pakistan rice, and more. They serve as a valuable resource for those seeking reliable rice suppliers and exporters.

In conclusion, the Delhi High Court’s closure of the Pakistani lawsuit marks a significant victory for India in the Basmati rice IP dispute. It ensures the continued growth and export of Basmati rice from India, cementing its reputation as a leading player in the global rice market.

Source: [Bar and Bench](https://www.barandbench.com)