Granting of Patents over Genetic Material
Moves to enforce patents relating to genetic sequences in New Zealand have raised concerns about the impact of such patents on the New Zealand economy, and in particular on the public health system. In light of these concerns, officials of the Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Economic Development, in consultation with MoRST and MFAT, were asked to report to Cabinet on the implications of the granting of patents over genetic material.
One of the issues raised in considering the implications of granting patents over genetic material is the issue of whether or not research or experimental work involving a patented invention would constitute patent infringement. Cabinet has asked that this issue be considered by officials. Documents dealing with this issue can be found at A Research Exemption for New Zealand's Patent Legislation.
Documents
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Cabinet Papers
Cabinet papers on the Granting of Patents over Genetic Material
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