1. Third Party Observations under article 115 of EPC

TKDL third party submission under Article 115 EPC brought to the notice of examination division the prior art references on the use of Citrus limon (Nimbu), Citrus aurantium. (Naranga amla), Citrus sinensis (Mausami), Vitis vinifera (Angoor) and Cichorium intybus (kasani) as complexion enhancer, Antiageing, Hair Blackener and for the treatment of Ring worm, Chloasma / Melasma / Melanoderma, Leucoderma/Vitiligo, Freckle from the books – Al-Qaanoon-fil-Tibb, Vol. II by Abu Ali Ibn-e-Sina (Unani,Exhibit 1), Khazaain-al-Advia, Vol. II by Mohammad Najmul Ghani Khan (Unani,Exhibit 2), Qaraabaadeen Najm-al-Ghani by Mohammad Najmul Ghani Khan (Unani, Exhibit 3, Exhibit 5, Exhibit 6 ), Qaraabaadeen Azam wa Akmal by Mohammad Akmal Khan (Unani,Exhibit 4).

2. Relevant Extract of EPO Examination report

EPO Patent Examiner(s) took cognizance of TKDL references. Extract of examination report at Para 6 are reproduced below.

“Six prior art documents retrieved from the TKDL (Traditional Knowledge Database) have been filed as third party observation (31.05.2012). These documents are identified as exhibits 1 to 6 (see the copies providing the English translation of the relevant passages).

All these documents disclose the use of citrus extracts (containing flavonoids and hesperidin, which is the main flavonoid compound of lemon) as active ingredient in compositions for oral intake and for the treatment of pathological conditions as well as for cosmetic uses.

Exhibit 5 mentions the use for pigmenting hair.

Exhibit 1-4 and 6 do not mention hair.

The disclosure of exhibits 1-4 and 6 destroys the novelty of claims 1-8 and 10-12.

The disclosure of exhibit 5 destroys the novelty of claims 1-7, 9-12.”

Full examination report can be referred at EP1750651.pdf

3. Outcomes of Third Party Observations & Examination Report.

As the outcome of TKDL references and other documents cited in examination report, reference is made to TKDL prior art by the applicant in the description.