| Abstract: | The author documents the historical purposes of the patent system and current relationships between biotechnology and that system, discussing unsettled areas of patent law. The author describes special problems in detecting infringement of patents, special requirements (such as depositing the relevant microorganisms in specified organizations), and unique problems of determining compensation for the inventors of genetically engineered processes and products. He discusses some proposed solutions, citing inter alia Stanford University's licensing agreements with biotechnology companies. |
