An Outline of Bio-IPRs Since the Discovery of DNA

In the 50 years since Crick and Watson’s discovery of the structure of DNA, intellectual property law has evolved to the extent that it is now possible to acquire rights over most forms of genetic innovation with only limited exceptions. However this evolution has not been without controversy. Both in the 1880s, and subsequent to the events of the 1950s, disquiet has been expressed at the treatment of genetic material as private property. This January 4, 2005 article from Pharmalicensing.com provides an outline of some of the developments in European bio-intellectual property rights (‘bio-IPRs’) post-Crick and Watson.