Biotechnological Inventions

Advances in modern biotechnology have produced profound and far-reaching implications for the relationship between humans, animals and the environment. As a result, a debate has arisen surrounding the legal, moral and social problems connected with this technology. A central part of this debate focuses on the role of moral considerations in the patent system as a form of regulation. This book examines this role and asks why in the context of biotechnological inventions morality has become an important issue. The origin, policy and legislative history of patent law in both the United States and member countries of the European Union is examined, with particular reference to the provisions relating to morality. Produced here in a second edition, the book has been fully revised and updated to take account of recent developments. Coverage has also been expanded to include an analysis of the situation in Australia. Examining specific recent cases, the author elucidates the moral concerns associated with modern biotechnology, thus providing an important contribution to the debate and a valuable resource for all those working in this exciting field.