Intellectual Property Rights and the Life Science Industries A Twentieth Century History Globalization and Law Series

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 sparkling and stimulating 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.

Contents: Introduction; Intellectual property in the global economy: high stakes and propaganda warfare; Intellectual property and regulation theory; The emergence of modern patent law; Organic chemistry and the synthetic dyestuff industry; The pharmaceutical industry; Biotechnology, genomics and the new life science corporations; Plant breeding, the seed industry, and plant breeders' rights; Towards a global IP regime: trade and diplomacy; Forums of resistance?; Epilogue: the life science industries in a patent-free world; Bibliography; Indices.

Graham Dutfield, Co-Director, Centre for International Governance, School of Law University of Leeds, UK