Life Sciences And Intellectual Property

This book is a highly readable and entertaining account of the co-evolution of the patent system and the life science industries since the mid-19th century. The pharmaceutical industries have their origins in advances in synthetic chemistry and in natural products research. Both approaches to drug discovery and business have shaped patent law, as have the lobbying activities of the firms involved and their supporters in the legal profession. In turn, patent law has impacted on the life science industries. Compared to the first edition, which told this story for the first time, the present edition focuses more on specific businesses, products and technologies, including Bayer, Pfizer, GlaxoSmithKline, aspirin, penicillin, monoclonal antibodies and polymerase chain reaction. Another difference is that this second edition also looks into the future, addressing new areas such as systems biology, stem cell research, and synthetic biology, which promises to enable scientists to OC inventOCO life forms from scratch.

Intellectual property (IP) is a key component of the life sciences, one of the most dynamic and innovative fields of technology today. At the same time, the relationship between IP and the life sciences raises new public policy dilemmas. The Research Handbook on Intellectual Property and the Life Sciences comprises contributions by leading experts from academia and industry to provide in-depth analyses of key topics including pharmaceuticals, diagnostics and genes, plant innovations, stem cells, the role of competition law and access to medicines. The Research Handbook focuses on the relationship between IP and the life sciences in Europe and the United States, complemented by country-specific case studies on Australia, Brazil, China, India, Japan, Kenya, South Africa and Thailand to provide a truly international perspective.

This text examines the international agreements governing trade in genetic resources - crucial resources for world agriculture, food security and large industries such as pharmaceuticals. Intellectual Property Rights (IPRs) in these resources are critical for those involved in the trade, including industry and developing countries. The book analyzes the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), World Trade Organization agreements and other agreements. It explains how they can be integrated into an equitable training regime.

This book analyses the history of the international patent regime and the life science industries, both of which can be traced back to the late 19th century. The development of patent law is inextricably linked to expanding capacities to elucidate, manipulate and commercially exploit the molecular properties of micro-organisms, plants, animals and other organic raw materials. The story of the life science industries begins with the European synthetic dyestuff firms and culminates in present-day conglomerates like Aventis, Novartis and Pharmacia. Throughout the last century, chemical, pharmaceutical, seed and biotechnology firms were actively involved in reforming patent law and plant variety rights. The major beneficiaries have been the largest firms whose market dominance and influence over peoples' lives - aided by friendly intellectual property laws - has never been greater. This sparkling and stimulating book reveals the key repercussions caused by the expansion of life science industries for issues of international equity, public health, food security and biological diversity.

It uniquely satisfies two practical needs: a global reach that reflects the worldwide markets within which the life sciences industry now operates, and a sector-based approach addressing the issues that those in the business face. Written by a team of the world's leading specialists in the field, including Lewis Ho from Simmons & Simmons, Joachim Feldges from Field Fisher Waterhouse, Miquel Montana from Clifford Chance and Pravin Anand from Anand and Anand, this accessible guide provides an overview of the key international and European IP legislation, complementing the book's central theme of monopoly protection. In addition, the book features coverage from 15 jurisdictions of the most important and topical life sciences issues on which intellectual property has an impact.

"Life Sciences is one of the most innovative and complex areas of law. It is currently undergoing a period of intense transformation, with companies facing an ever-increasing level of regulation as well as strict cost management in order to remain competitive and profitable. The latest in "A User's Guide to..." series it covers life sciences in relation to: - patents - copyright - trade marks; and - data protection The book covers UK law with references to significant EPO cases. A key part of the book is the coverage of case law. Case studies and detailed analysis of the key cases, eg the Kymab mouse case, the human genome sciences case, and the pregabalin case feature heavily helping to put this often complex area of law into context. Where appropriate and for comparison purposes, approaches of key foreign jurisdictions are summarised and for ease of use there are clearly signposted. A key text for practitioners specialising in life sciences and intellectual property in general and patents officers dealing with life sciences applications."

Few topics in the life sciences today provoke as much debate as the availability of patent protection on "genetic inventions". Some hold that protection is essential to encourage innovation and development of new products. Others argue that patents ...