Punjab Govt.'s
popular product 'Verka' to export US, blocked
Chandigarh, August 19, 2007
Surinder Malhotra/Gary Singh
NRI Kulwinder Dhillon, owner of Quality Products Inc, which sells
cheese, ghee and curd in the US, has been patented the 'Verka' name
in the US.
According to our reporter in LA, Kulwinder said we are serving
our community by providing No.1 quality and sevices.
Now Punjab State Cooperative Milk Producer's Federation (Milkfed)
plans to explore the Canadian and US markets but it would be impossible
to export and market products under the brand name in view of patent
restrictions in the US.

Punjab's very popular product 'Verka' include Milk Cheese &
Paneer Drinks,
Ghee & Butter Icecream & Sweets Milk Powder , Curd, Yoghurt,
Kheer... Products and Packing
Milkfed's Managing Director V K Singh said:
- "Nobody paid any attention to the export prospects for
the 'Verka' range of products."
- The cooperative was considering an alternative strategy under
which it would sign revenue-sharing agreements with firms or individuals
in the US and Canada. "We have approached with offers."
Punjab Cooperation Minister Capt Kanwaljit Singh assured that the
Milkfed was in the process of protecting its right. "Our aim
is to protect our brand,"
Some Punjab NRIs settled in the US and Canada have come to the
rescue and offered to fight the case on Milkfed's behalf, in lieu
of distribution rights of Verka products.
Will Milkfed officials engage in long legal battles to regain patent
rights abroad.?

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