Plant breeding patents, the ownership of biological innovation and associated intellectual property rights (IPR) are the subject of increased attention worldwide. They are particularly relevant in the field of agricultural biotechnology. They are affecting public and private sector organizaitons and companies, and are significant for developing as well as developed countries. This book presents the perspectives of policy-makers and economists on such issues.
The economics of IPR; international crop breeding in a world of proprietary technology; public research and property rights; emerging institutions - implications for developing countries; IPR and regulations of transgenic crops in North America; IPR of plant varieties and biotechnology in the European Union; IPR under the Convention of Biological Diversity; IPR protection in OECD countries; IPR of wild genetic resources. (Part contents).