A growing number of critics of 'bioprospecting' complain that companies often fail to adequately compensate holders of traditional knowledge, and that patents on products developed in this way are actually a form of intellectual piracy.

An important issue raised by current debates on intellectual property rights — particularly in the context of their impact on developing countries — are the consequences that legislation protecting such rights may have for food security.

While intellectual property rights tend to be seen as primarily and economic or legal issue, it has been increasingly argued in recent years that there is also a broader 'human rights' dimension.

Patents have long been a central feature of the pharmaceutical industry, but in recent years, the relationship between patents and availability of essential drugs has become highly controversial, especially in developing countries.