The tree has many other medicinal and insecticide products widely used in India. Centuries of indigenous research in India has produced knowledge about neemthat is shared openly and freely. A growing number of non-governmental organizations, as well as some countries, are beginning to take the position that genes should not be sale for any price. They should be common property, say those organizations. Publication and peer review have been replaced by 'proprietary information' held in secrecy.
Gene patents have created a sort of gold rush wherein who ever is first, claims the property.
Academic communication and morale have been hurt. When the researcher applied for a patent on it, the Guaymi Indians raised a protest. They argued that the NIH had violated the privacy of their people, sought a patent without their consent, and intended to make a profit without getting a share. The NIH backed off on this one. The issue of life patents has been the subject of growing scrutiny in Congress.