Prelims: Current Events of National and International Importance
Why in News?
Recently, Assam’s first bagless tea brand, Woolah Tea, has been granted a 20-year patent (No. 567895).
Patent
A patent is a form of intellectual property that gives its owner the legal right to exclude others from making, using, or selling an invention for a limited period, typically 20 years.
Essentially, a patent is granted for an invention.
Any product, design, or process that does something using a novel methodology or solves an existing technical problem is an invention.
Patent Name – ‘Compressed true whole leaf tea dips and method thereof’.
Founded by - Upamanyu Borkotoky and Ansuman Bharali from Sibsagar district in Assam.
Working with - Organic tea farmers in Assam, particularly in Sibsagar, Kaxhopothar, and Dibrugarh.
Woolah’s tea is made from a compressed bundle of eti koli duti paat (one bud and two leaves), bound by a natural string.
Taste – It provides smooth, natural flavors without bitterness.
Variety - Woolah offers different flavors, including Rare Assam Green Tea and Rare Green Tea with Lemon.
Benefits
Eliminating microplastics - By eliminating the need for conventional tea bags, it is bound by a natural string.
It retains more antioxidants and nutrients compared to broken leaves or dust used in conventional teas.
Organic and chemical-free - The tea is grown organically without the use of pesticides or chemical fertilizers, promoting wellness and sustainability.
Environment friendly – This tea dip is fully compostable, reducing waste and environmental impact.
Advantages - Fair wages for workers – Its price is a premium, noting its essentials compared to other packed green tea variants, offering its workers fair wages.
It will increase rural employment and sustainable entrepreneurship.
Trade significance for India - The brand is now preparing to export to the US, UK, UAE, Australia, and New Zealand.
Woolah is also representing Assam in celebration of 200 years of Assam Tea at the Summer Fancy Food Show in New York.
It will help surge in international recognition for Indian origin products.
