The famous and tasty Tirupati Laddu may soon get a patent of its own! According to a 30-min news report I happened to watch on TV9 yesterday, the TTD (Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams - the temple’s executive board) is thinking of applying for a patent for the Laddu that is served as prasadam (holy offering) at the temple town of Tirupati. The laddu is one of the most popular thing about Tirupati and for many people, eating the laddu is as good as having a glimpse of the Lord himself. And of course, it is yummy and tasty too!

Its popularity and demand have given rise to a humongous black-marketing network that is prevalent in Tirupati and there have been cases of counterfeit laddus being palmed off as the real ones, that too at exorbitant prices - sometimes as high as 100 bucks for a laddu! To check that and also to protect the Intellectual Property on account of its Geographical Indication, the laddu and its preparation method is to be patented. So don’t be surprised if you see this sort of sign the text time you are in Tirupati: Tirupati Laddu ® Available Here!