Bioprospecting in South Africa - The Hoodia Story

You are cordially invited to attend an afternoon presentation on Bioprospecting in South Africa-The Hoodia Story on Thursday, 28 September 2008. The venue is: UCT Research Contracts and Intellectual Property Services, Seminar Room, 3rd Floor, 2 Rhodes Avenue (Cnr Main Road and Rhodes Avenue), Mowbray. It will be presented by Vinesh Maharaj from Council for Scientific and Industrial Research from 17h00 until approximately 19h00 (including snacks).

The plot will entail the following: A natural anti-obesity agent from Hoodia, developed CSIR scientists, promises to become the first major natural product for the treatment of obesity based on a plant indigenous to the African Continent. The research programme that led to this potential product started at CSIR in 1963, and today includes major multinational companies, farmers and communities. An analysis of the key innovative steps in the research programme illustrates the value of combining modern modern science and ancient knowledge on the use of South Africa's rich biodiversity.Hoodia illustrates the potential of bioprospecting to produce significant economic and social benefits for a nation. The processes leading to the creation and protection of intellectual property, licensing to commercial partners and benefit -sharing agreement with the San, custodians of indigenous knowledge on the use of Hoodia, is discussed. The programme is hosted by the Licenscing Executives Society (LES) of South Africa. Cost at R125.00 (for Non Members*) and R75.00 (Members)

*Membership rate will apply to new members who join on the day.

Please RSVP upon the return of your completed registration form by email to Michelle Mulder by no later than Monday, 15 September 2008. She can also be contacted on 072 392 8828. Please furnish proof of payment to the account indicated in the accompanying registration form. Also ensure to put your name in the reference field when making payment in order for us to distinguish between payments. Invoices will be provided on request (please indicate on registration form.)

The Licensing Executives Society is an international association having 30 national and regional member societies, each comprising of men and women who have an interest in the transfer of technology, or licensing of intellectual property rights - from technical know-how and patented inventions to software, copyright and trade marks. (www.lesi.org)

Download the registration form Here.