Abstract

This book documents and evaluates the dramatic expansion of intellectual property law to accommodate various forms of biotechnology from micro-organisms, plants, and animals to human genes and stem cells. It makes a unique theoretical contribution to the controversial public debate over the commercialisation of biological inventions.The author also considers the contradictions between the Supreme Court of Canada rulings in respect of the Harvard Oncomouse, and genetically modified canola. He explores law, policy, and practice in both Australia and New Zealand in respect to gene patents and non-coding DNA. This study charts the rebellion against the European Union Biotechnology Directive - particularly in respect of Myriad Genetics' BRCA1 and BRCA2 patents, and stem cell patent applications. The book also considers whether patent law will accommodate frontier technologies - such as bioinformatics, haplotype mapping, proteomics, pharmacogenomics, and nanotechnology. Intellectual Property and Biotechnology will be of prime interest to lawyers and patent attorneys, scientists and researchers, business managers and technology transfer specialists. Introduction 1. Anything Under the Sun: Patent Law and Micro-Organisms 2. Franklin Barley: Patent Law and Plant Breeder's Rights 3. The Human Chimera Patent Initiative: Patent Law and Animals 4. The Storehouse of Knowledge: Patent Law, Scientific Discoveries, and Products of Nature 5. The Book of Life: Patent Law and the Human Genome Project 6. The Dilettante's Defence: Patent Law, Research Tools, and Experimental Use 7. The Utah Saints: Patent Law and Genetic Testing 8. The Alchemy of Junk: Patent Law and Non-Coding DNA 9. Still Life with Stem Cells: Patent Law and Human Embryos Conclusion. Blue Sky Research: Patent Law and Frontier Technologies.