Intellectual property rights and the life science industries : a 20th century history / Graham Dutfield.

ix, 288 pages ; 23 cm.

0754621111
9780754621119
9781351927147 electronic book
1351927140 electronic book

F 141 DUT.I

This book analyses the history of the international patent regime and the life science industries, both of which can be traced back to the late 19th century. The development of patent law is inextricably linked to expanding capacities to elucidate, manipulate and commercially exploit the molecular properties of micro-organisms, plants, animals and other organic raw materials. The story of the life science industries begins with the European synthetic dyestuff firms and culminates in present-day conglomerates like Aventis, Novartis and Pharmacia. Throughout the last century, chemical, pharmaceutical, seed and biotechnology firms were actively involved in reforming patent law and plant variety rights. The major beneficiaries have been the largest firms whose market dominance and influence over peoples' lives - aided by friendly intellectual property laws - has never been greater. This book reveals the key repercussions caused by the expansion of life science industries for issues of international equity, public health, food security and biological diversity.

7508409141 is 2004 printing.
Índexs onomàstic i de matèries.

Includes bibliographical references and index.

Globalization And Law.

Aldershot : Ashgate, c2003.

English