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Research Tool Patents and Free-Libre Biotechnology: A Unified Perspective

Author

Listed:
  • Julien Pénin
  • Jean Pierre Wack

Abstract

This paper proposes a unified conceptual framework to analyse the multiple role and consequences of patents in the case of biotechnology research tools. We argue that the knowledge/information and independent/complementary nature of research tools define heterogeneous frameworks in which the patent system plays different roles. In particular, using the analogy with the free-libre open source movement in software, we show that patents can promote open innovation by ensuring the freedom of some pieces of knowledge. A strong conclusion of the paper is therefore that, against common belief, an adequate use of the patent system may contribute to preserving freedom of access to upstream research tools within a framework that we call free-libre biotechnology.

Suggested Citation

  • Julien Pénin & Jean Pierre Wack, 2007. "Research Tool Patents and Free-Libre Biotechnology: A Unified Perspective," Working Papers of BETA 2007-24, Bureau d'Economie Théorique et Appliquée, UDS, Strasbourg.
    • Handle: RePEc:ulp:sbbeta:2007-24
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Intellectual property rights; sequential innovation; open source; life science; collective invention.;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • D2 - Microeconomics - - Production and Organizations
    • O3 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Innovation; Research and Development; Technological Change; Intellectual Property Rights

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