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Science & Innovation Policy: Intellectual property

Policy Briefs

Here is a list of the latest articles

GM rice plants

Overcoming obstacles to GM crop adoption

Careful assessment and policies on genetically modified crops could contribute to agricultural development and food security.

Source: Parliamentary Office of Science and Technology (POST)

21 June 2012 | EN

Bioprospecting: legitimate research or 'biopiracy'?

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.

26 May 2003 | EN | 中文

What impact do IPR rules have on food security?

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.

1 October 2001 | EN

IPR rules and human rights: is there a conflict?

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.

1 October 2001 | EN

Are patent rules compatible with access to essential medicines?

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.

1 October 2001 | EN | 中文