Intellectual Property Rights in Medical Biotechnology

Abstract

For centuries inventors have been granted exclusive rights to their inventions as a reward for their contribution to society. However, balancing public good with private reward is always arduous. The area of intellectual property in biomedical research has witnessed a marked change in the IP scenario due to the pressure exerted on governments by the industry. This paper strives to trace some of the changes witnessed in the West against the backdrop of the Indian patent regimen and argues that the law is transiting in an industry-responsive manner. A few suggestions are also made to adequately respond to these changes.