Articles
PATENTS FOR PLANTS: CONTEXT AND CURRENT STATUS
Article number
941_9
Pages
125 – 138
Language
English
Abstract
One of the important themes in any discussion concerning the application of genetic transformation technology in horticulture or elsewhere is the role of Intellectual Property Rights (IPR). This term covers both the content of patents and the confidential expertise, usually related to methodology and referred to as Trade Secrets. This review will explain the concepts behind patent protection, and will discuss the wide-ranging scope of existing patents that cover novel genotypes of plants as well as all aspects of transgenic technology, from selectable markers and novel promoters to methods of gene introduction.
Although few of these patents have any significant commercial value there are a small number of key patents that may restrict the freedom to operate of any company seeking to exploit the methods in the production of transgenic varieties.
Over the last twenty years, these restrictions have forced extensive cross-licensing between ag-biotech companies and have been one of the driving forces behind the consolidation of these companies.
Although such issues may have limited relevance in the horticultural sector, and are often considered to be of little interest to the academic scientist working in the public sector, they are of great importance in any debate about the role of public-good breeding and of the relationship between the public and private sectors.
Although few of these patents have any significant commercial value there are a small number of key patents that may restrict the freedom to operate of any company seeking to exploit the methods in the production of transgenic varieties.
Over the last twenty years, these restrictions have forced extensive cross-licensing between ag-biotech companies and have been one of the driving forces behind the consolidation of these companies.
Although such issues may have limited relevance in the horticultural sector, and are often considered to be of little interest to the academic scientist working in the public sector, they are of great importance in any debate about the role of public-good breeding and of the relationship between the public and private sectors.
Authors
J.M. Dunwell
Keywords
transgenic, transformation, genetic modification, intellectual property, horticulture
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