The proper scope of patent protection for biotechnology discoveries has been the source of longstanding debate among legal scholars, research scientists, and industry executives. A major predicament of the system is that it gnaws away at further innovation and creativity because of its...

During recent decades, the role of traditional knowledge (TK) in biotechnology development has become increasingly important. The benefits resulting from TK exploration can be tremendous. Due to its significant economic and healthcare contribution to society, the owners of TK (local and...

The patenting of biotechnological inventions potentially affects human rights in a number of ways. Human rights to identity and the practice of religion may be affected by the availability of patents on genetically modified human beings (or elements of the human body). Patents as mechanisms for...