Which variety of rice was patented by a U.S. company even though the highest number of varieties of this rice are found in India ?

Options

A. Sharbati Sonora
B. Co-667
C. Basmati
D. Lerma Rojo

Explanation

**Step-by-Step Solution:**

1. **Understanding the Question**: The question asks for a specific variety of rice that was patented by a U.S. company, despite the fact that India has the highest number of varieties of this rice.

2. **Identifying the Rice Variety**: The rice variety in question is "Basmati rice." This variety is known for its unique aroma and long grains and is predominantly grown in the Indian subcontinent.

3. **Patent Information**: In 1997, a U.S. company obtained a patent for Basmati rice through the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. This patent allowed the company to sell a new variety of Basmati rice in the U.S. and internationally.

4. **Origin of the Patented Variety**: The patented variety of Basmati rice was derived from traditional Indian farmers' varieties. It involved crossing Indian Basmati rice with a semi-dwarf variety, which was then claimed as a novel invention by the U.S. company.

5. **Implications of the Patent**: The patent extended to functional equivalence, meaning that other sellers of Basmati rice could potentially be restricted from selling their products due to the patent rights held by the U.S. company.

6. **Conclusion**: Based on the information gathered, the answer to the question is that the variety of rice patented by a U.S. company is "Basmati rice."

**Final Answer**: Basmati rice

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