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Intellectual Property Rights Challenges and International Research Collaborations in Agricultural Biotechnology

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Agricultural Biotechnology in Developing Countries

Abstract

The international strengthening of intellectual property rights (IPRs) has stimulated many private and public research organizations to develop new agricultural biotechnology applications. The scope for further innovation is huge. But there is also a downside to the escalation of IPRs: access to important research tools becomes increasingly restricted and the costs of consummating licensing deals may become prohibitive. As patenting activity progresses, the number of separate rights needed to produce a new innovation proliferates. Due to the lack of resources, specific expertise and clear strategies the international agricultural research centers (IARCs) are placed at a particular disadvantage in bargaining over proprietary rights. Different options are discussed that could help to turn the contracting disadvantages of IARCs into new opportunities for technology transfer. Many of the transaction problems are shared by the large human health research complex, so contractual innovations in that area should be followed closely.

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Wright, B.D. (2000). Intellectual Property Rights Challenges and International Research Collaborations in Agricultural Biotechnology. In: Qaim, M., Krattiger, A.F., von Braun, J. (eds) Agricultural Biotechnology in Developing Countries. Springer, Boston, MA. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4757-3178-1_18

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4757-3178-1_18

  • Publisher Name: Springer, Boston, MA

  • Print ISBN: 978-1-4419-4864-9

  • Online ISBN: 978-1-4757-3178-1

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