nature PLC
a show on the theme of patenting nature

Junior Bizznizz and his sister are sent out into the world by their father to explore new business opportunities.

Junior hatches a plan to patent plants and sell the rights to their use. His sister is more interested in their medical properties.

While searching for new plants to exploit in India, Junior falls in love with a young Indian girl Ayeesha, but his plans for basmati rice are unpopular with her and infuriate her grandmother.

Mrs Patent explains the history of the patent system.

Ayeesha does her own research and discovers that what was good for Europe 200 years ago may not be good for the developing world today.

The 15 minute show explores the recent trend for the patenting of genetic material and lifeforms, and the implications this may have.

Nature PLC can be seen at the Eden Project, Cornwall. It is shown alternately with Hot Science, Hot Potato and remains a popular exhibit.