Patently Obvious: Intellectual Property Rights and Nanotechnology
Monash University Faculty of Law Legal Studies Research Paper No. 2007/06
Technology in Society, Vol. 29, p. 307, 2007
Posted: 6 Mar 2009 Last revised: 18 Jul 2014
Date Written: February 19, 2009
Abstract
Rapid technological advances and commercialisation of the emerging field of nanotechnology will challenge traditional international and domestic regulatory regimes, including intellectual property rights. This article examines the role of the World Trade Organisation's Trade-Related Intellectual Property Rights Agreement as a global regulatory devide for nanotechnology, and questions the applicability of the Agreement with respect to current and future nanotechnology applications. With the commercialisation of nanotechnology already occurring, exploration of the international intellectual property market and nanotechnology interface is timely. Early recognition of uncertainties will enable policy makers the ability to balance the needs of commercial investors and innovation against tyhe broader objectives and ideals promised by nanotechnology.
Keywords: nanotechnology, intellectual property, patents, World Trade Organisation, Trade-Related Intellectual Property Rights Agreement
JEL Classification: K0, K00, K19, K23, K29, K33
Suggested Citation: Suggested Citation