Cooperative Intellectual Property in Biotechnology

Abstract

This paper briefly considers some of the perceived problems associated with the exclusive rights model of patent management in biotechnology. It then goes on to explore the range of legal options for dealing with some of these perceived problems, together with alternative co-operative approaches that are currently under discussion in various forums, including open access models. This review shows that there are many parallels in the issues currently being debated in the information technology and biotechnology industries in relation to the copyright and patent regimes of intellectual property.