Patent law change and the biotechnology industry

THE recent explosion in genetic science has raised numerous issues for the biotechnology industry.

The Australian Law Reform Commission has already released a report on the ethical and privacy issues raised by genetic research.

It has now released an issue paper relating to biotechnology and the operation of the intellectual property law system.

The ALRC has already called for submissions on the issues pertaining to the changes for concerned members of the public and the biotechnology industry.

The patent system is crucial to investors in biotechnology because it provides the framework under which genetic research can be treated as intellectual property. This framework attracts secure investment in biotechnology research.

The ALRC’s issues paper is available at www.alrc.gov.au and the closing date for submissions and comment on the issues paper is September 30.

David Thompson, senior associate 9288 6883