Patenting Biotechnical Innovation

Eligibility, Ethics and Public Interest

Edited by Naomi Hawkins, Professor of Intellectual Property Law, School of Law, University of Sheffield, UK

This book examines patent law and policy in biotechnology across the full lifecycle of the patent, focusing on the patent bargain and the public interest. It considers the central issues of how to strike an effective balance of rights, and whether public interest is adequately safeguarded - two issues that are particularly important in areas of rapidly emerging technology.

“这新鲜,及时collection examines the fundamental patent balance; that between private rights and access to innovation. In the context of biotechnology, the collection queries whether the patent system effectively protects the public interest in innovation and access to medical technology. The collection provides a truly international perspective by considering developments in the United States, European Union, United Kingdom, Australia and New Zealand. It will be of wide interest to scholars, policy-makers, students and non-government actors across many jurisdictions.’
– Alison McLennan, University of Canberra, Australia

‘This is an excellent and exciting collection edited by a highly respected scholar. It explores the always relevant and complex, and evolving, question of patenting biotechnological innovation and the public interest, and the extent to which the public interest is delivered. Dr Hawkins has led a team of the highest quality, with contributors from throughout the world exploring a valuable and innovative range of legal fields, perspectives, technologies and ethical questions. The conclusion, of the need for a multifaceted and coherent legal approach, is compelling.’
– Abbe Brown, University of Aberdeen, UK