A threat to the freedom of raw foods in Australia, please act

[Gosia]

Below is the post from another board. Basically, someone tries to obtain a patent for raw foods in Australia, which would prevent anyone from teaching about raw foods (or be sued) in Australia. In their patent application, they claim “There is currently no individual or organization in Australia using these methods to create these dishes“, which clearly is false (I live in Australia, HulaQueen does and so do many other raw foodists who do practice raw foods!). Please, respond to this, if you can, by writing a letter to:

Comissioner of Patents
IP Australia
PO Box 200
Woden ACT 2606
Australia

quoting the patent application number 2004100620 titled RAW FOODS by Ricardo Riskalla. I phoned the pattent office and was informed that only by writing a letter you can actually make an impact.



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Author: TheHulaQueen (---.tpgi.com.au)
Date: 12-15-04 17:52

I've been active in the raw food scene in Australia for a while now. I only heard about Ricardo Riskalla about two weeks ago, when a friend called to tell me some guy was trying to PATENT raw foods in Australia and stop others from teaching about raw foods or using the processes in any way. One friend reported to us that he called Ricardo to explain that there were many others here already teaching raw foods (which would invalidate the patent). Still the application for patent continues.

A patent on raw foods would mean that the patent holder could SUE someone for teaching about raw foods (which has already been threatened). This could seriously limit the number of people involved with raw foods, and from that limit the number of people that were introduced to the good it can bring.

His application can be read at the patent office website here:
http://pericles.ipaustralia.gov.au/aub/pdf/nps/2004/0902/2004100620A4/2004100620.pdf

It's an innovation patent application, meaning it doesn't actually get looked at until examination, which is coming up soon. Apparently you can express your concern about the patent by contacting the patent office at 1300 65 1010 with the patent application number 2004100620 titled RAW FOODS by Ricardo Riskalla.

Cheers to the continued freedom to share raw health information in Australia!
Sheryl

http://www.Raw-Pleasure.com

Post Edited (12-15-04 18:05)
:mad:

[Rawkinlocs]

This is utterly RIDICULOUS! I mean, how can someone....WHY would someone want to patent raw food prep?!?

Are there ANY raw fooders or raw food chefs, instructors, etc. already presently in Australia to prove that this guy is off his rocker for thinking no one is presently doing this already??

If so, THOSE are the main ones who need to come forward, perhaps even seeking legal council in this matter. The things people do for money and you know that's what this is all about...trying to monopolize on raw foods...how stupid!

Is there a mailing address or website to go to Gosia? I can't call internationally, but I'd sure write or email if that's possible. I sure hope they laugh in his face and not approve such a ridiculous patent.

[Rawism]

I work at the Patent Office here in DC. I will check on this, but even if there is a patent application for it, I highly doubt anyone would recognize it as novelty.

Something like that sure wouldn't fly here. But I am not sure about patent laws in Australia. Either way, it just seems like ANOTHER sad attempt for people to see thier names on a patent.

*Sigh*

[Sheryl]

There are over 20 people I know of who use raw foods in some form for their businesses in Australia. Appropriate paperwork has been filed with the patent office; extra voices would really help too. I really don't believe that it could be patented, since there is no innovation involved.

I called them for a status update and apparently it's going ahead for review. I can't believe they would allow it since
1) He's not the first or only person doing raw foods; they know this because of paperwork submitted to the patent office - I hope they read it. He knows this because he has attended other peoples seminars and people have called him about the patent (and the obvious fact that he's not the first one)
2) I don't believe you can patent a common food preparation process (this would make smoothies at juice bars a violation of his patent). Could someone patent Indian cooking? I don't think so.

This is just crazy. Too bad because when I first saw a press release about what he was doing in Australia I was really excited and ready to email to say hello. The community is really close knit here. After finding about the patent (and some other things) I lost interest completely.

Thanks Gosia for posting this - every voice helps.
Sheryl

[Sweet lips]

Of course I will call as Rawkinlocs knows I will. This is totally ridiculous - Has anyone been able to talk with him and see his logic.

Is there a process whereby you can challenge a patent? if awarded. There are several industries affected - those who prepare salads, those who teach culinary arts - has you contacted those schools to see what they say about this. Health education classes as well and home economics classes if they exist in the school system there.