During the past twenty-five years, biotechnology has revolutionized agricultural research. The enormous potential, together with a landmark decision by the US Supreme Court to allow the patenting of genetically-engineered organisms has encouraged private sector companies to invest in research programmes. This book (first edition in 1998) is now fully revised and updated, with five completely new chapters. It presents definitive information on intellectual property law in a simplified form.

Plant breeding patents, the ownership to biological innovation and associated intellectual property rights (IPR), are the subject of increased attention worldwide. They are particularly relevant in the field of agricultural biotechnology. They are affecting public and private sector organisations and companies, and are significant for developing as well as developed countries. These issues have until recently evoked little policy analysis. This book presents the perspectives of policy-makers and economists on such issues and includes discussions of public research and property rights, implications for developing countries, IPR of wild genetic resources and IPR under the Convention of Biological Diversity, among others.

This Book Presents Definitive Information On Intellectual Property Law In A Simplified Form Not Available In Other Texts On The Subject. The First Section Considers Issues And Principles Including Protection, Transference, And Capacity Building, Both At The National And Institutional Level. The Second Section Consists Of Eleven Country And Regional Case Studies From Six Continents Which Track The International Variation In Intellectual Property Law And Its Application To Agricultural Biotechnology.

Addresses IPR issues important to the Agricultural Biotechnology for Sustainable Productivity (ABSP) initiative & international agricultural biotechnology collaborations in general. Contains sections on patents, licensing, international issues & recommendations. Documents on plant variety protection, patent types in biotechnology, licensing, cooperative agreements, trade questions & Uruguay round, the convention on biological diversity & many others.

Intellectual property rights, agriculture, and the worl bank; Perspectives from international agricultural research centers; Perspectives from industry; Perspectives from national systems and universities; A model for international owned goods; Summary and implications for the world bank.

Policymakers in DC responsible for nat. ag. research are considering the implications of IPR for biotech. This is because DCs want to acquire & use new technol's. in ag. research, & the pressure exerted on DCs in int'l. negotiations to strengthen their IPR legislation. This volume summarizes the increasing significance of IPR for ag. biotech. & current international trade & development-related debates on IPR & DC responses to these issues. Analyzes the complexities, options & implications regarding IPR in relation to national technology objectives.

Plant Breeding Patents, The Ownership Of Biological Innovation And Associated Intellectual Property Rights (Ipr) Are The Subject Of Increased Attention Worldwide. They Are Particularly Relevant In The Field Of Agricultural Biotechnology. They Are Affecting Public And Private Sector Organizations And Companies, And Are Significant For Developing As Well As Developed Countries. These Issues Have Until Recently Evoked Little Policy Analysis. This Book Presents The Perspectives Of Policy-Makers And Economists On Such Issues.