Biotechnology and IP

Dr. Kalyan C. Kankanala, kalyan@brainleague.com www.brainleague.com

Blog: www.sinapseblog.com

Biotechnology can transform humanity provided humanity wishes to be transformed. -Geoffry Carr

What is Biotechnology?

What is Biotechnology?
The World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) defines biotechnology as any technology using living entities, in particular animals, plants, or microorganisms,

What is Biotechnology?
Any technology that uses living organisms to make or modify a product, to improve plants or animals, or to develop microorganisms for specific uses. Office of Technology, U. S. Congress

What is Biotechnology?
"The application of science and technology to living organisms as well as parts, products and models thereof, to alter living or non-living materials for the production of knowledge, goods and services." (OECD).

Why is Biotechnology Unique?

Why is Biotechnology Unique?

Involves living organisms Diverse fields Long gestation period Morals and Ethics Fear of the unknown

Arguments
Intellectual Property protection must not be afforded to biotechnology inventions involving living organisms because
The modification may cause harm to them; The results of such inventions may prove to be harmful to human beings; and Man does not have the right to play god by modifying living organisms.

Arguments
Biotechnology inventions and creations must be protected under the IP regime because research in the field requires very high investment and takes a long time.

Arguments
Biotechnology inventions must not be protected under the IP regime because their protection would stifle research and prevent access to medical treatment.

What are Various types of IP?

Rationale for their protection

Types of IP
Patents Copyrights Trademarks Trade Secrets Plant Varieties Geographical Indications Traditional Knowledge Biodiversity

IP and Biotechnology

What are the types of IP that can protect Biotechnology?

Rationales for protecting Biotechnology

Economic Moral Utilitarian

What is the real issue?

Is it human psychology?

Questions? ??
First Law Thriller Novel
Young, Blind Lawyer clashes with a pharma major to save lives. More at www.kalyankankanala.com