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.?