One way out of a patent quagmire
Article Abstract:
The European Patent Office contemplates rewriting the European Patent Convention due to a legal tussle, arising out of taxonomy's limitations, over patenting of plant varieties. The revised version also has several drawbacks but may be acceptable to biotechnologists. Opponents of the patent are exploiting an exclusion clause in the convention that allows patenting of genetically modified animals and plants but disallows patents of the new varieties. This clause disallows patenting of plants because plants can be considered as collections of plant varieties.
Publication Name: Nature
Subject: Zoology and wildlife conservation
ISSN: 0028-0836
Year: 1996
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Patent for a mouse: Europe is making heavy weather of the patenting of transgenic animals and plants
Article Abstract:
Patenting transgenic plants and animals developed through genetic engineering is likely to remain controversial in Europe where the European Patent Office (EPO) has responsibility. EPO approved Europe's first patent for a transgenic animal, the Harvard oncomouse, in 1992 after initially ruling that the mouse violated the EPO's morality rule. Moreover, the issuing of patents for agricultural transgenic plants and animals while retaining existing registration schemes may produce a confusing situation that will undermine the EPO.
Publication Name: Nature
Subject: Zoology and wildlife conservation
ISSN: 0028-0836
Year: 1993
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Not enough places to go in Europe
Article Abstract:
Cell biology is a discipline which integrates different aspects of biology. Molecular biology techniques are being integrated into cognitive neurobiology, and cell biology is being integrated into pathogenesis. It is fairly easy to find a postdoctoral contract in Europe but it is more difficult to find a permanent post. Molecular cell biology is a key issue for research into health problems in the next century. There will be a waste of talent if no career structure is provided.
Publication Name: Nature
Subject: Zoology and wildlife conservation
ISSN: 0028-0836
Year: 1998
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