Intellectual property protection for living organisms and the products of biotechnology has assumed increasing significance in recent years. So too have mechanisms for granting rights in respect of existing genetic resources. This book explains the law concerning the granting rights over new kinds of living matter (including patents, copyrights and plant breeders' rights) and protection for biological resources. It covers the important recent developments in European Union, United Kingdom and international law, including the European Patent Convention and the Biodiversity Convention.