The public–private structure of intellectual property ownership in agricultural biotechnology (original) (raw)

2003, Nature Biotechnology

AI-generated Abstract

This paper examines the evolving structure of intellectual property (IP) ownership in agricultural biotechnology, highlighting the shift from public-sector innovation to a more privatized model driven by advancements in molecular genetics. The introduction of robust IP rights has transformed crop research dynamics, enabling collaborations between public institutions and private companies, yet it has also led to an 'anticommons' situation that creates economic inefficiencies and obstacles in the development of new technologies. The paper presents a detailed analysis of patent ownership across various key technologies, underscoring the complexities introduced by multiple stakeholders in the innovation process.