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Glass, Amy J.; Nunez, Fabricio X. --- "Introduction" [2009] ELECD 491; in Castle, David (ed), "The Role of Intellectual Property Rights in Biotechnology Innovation" (Edward Elgar Publishing, 2009)

Book Title: The Role of Intellectual Property Rights in Biotechnology Innovation

Editor(s): Castle, David

Publisher: Edward Elgar Publishing

ISBN (hard cover): 9781847209801

Section Title: Introduction

Author(s): Glass, Amy J.; Nunez, Fabricio X.

Number of pages: 6

Extract:

Introduction
Amy J. Glass and Fabricio X. Nunez

Patents are often the first thing that comes to mind when thinking about
how to protect intellectual property rights and encourage innovation. But
policy options exist for stimulating innovation other than lengthening the
duration of patents to generate larger rewards. A broader perspective that
explores other means of increasing innovation is needed in order for one
to know what options are available. This part is organized to encourage
discussion of how to stimulate biotechnology innovation by means beyond
patent length. Our hope is that these chapters will help encourage thought
and study about using less conventional means of boosting innovation.
With much attention focused on harmonizing patent length across coun-
tries, gains from other policy options could be overlooked. While promot-
ing innovation is a key goal, other objectives such as improving diffusion
of technologies and access to new technologies are also important. Using
a wider range of instruments achieves a larger number of goals. With more
policy levers, a faster rate of innovation could be achieved for any speci-
fied level of another goal. Expanded policy options might achieve a better
outcome in terms of multiple policy goals.
Industries have differing characteristics that influence how best to
promote innovation. What stimulates innovation in one industry may
have little impact in another. Some industries patent frequently; others
almost never. Increasing patent length will not succeed in stimulating
innovation in industries that do not patent. A wider mix of policy options
may also ...