To print this article, all you need is to be registered or login on Mondaq.com. Traditional knowledge (TK) is knowledge system that is held by the indigenous people, often relating to their surrounding natural environment. When traditional knowledge is used without permission by the researchers, or exploit the cultures they're drawing from – it's called biopiracy. Relationship of patent laws with the traditional knowledge is truly opening a can filled with worms. It is not because of the biopiracy debates but due to genetically modified organisms and "patents on life" debates as well. Turmeric, a well-known home remedy in Indian houses since ages