Intellectual property on the food platter? Proof is in the pudding

While some restaurants abroad have successfully protected their recipes, prior art can prove to be a hurdle in patenting innovative cuisine

Dipender Tiwari, executive chef at Qla restaurant in Mehrauli, says he is constantly on the lookout for new native ingredients to come up with unique dishes at the restaurant. He says he sometimes spends months developing and perfecting the look and feel of his dishes.

When asked if his any creation is protected by law, Tiwari says he does not know the legal process of protecting his creations in the food industry.

Safir Anand, senior partner at Anand and Anand, explains there are many reasons why patenting is not rampant in the food industry for plating techniques. “One of the