Background
In 1992 the Ministry of Commerce produced a paper which proposed a number of changes to the Patents Act. It became apparent after the release of the paper that many Maori were concerned that the proposed reforms did not go far enough in solving issues which were of concern to Maori. In particular, Maori were concerned about issues relevant to the patenting of life forms.
Four hui were held in 1994 to further discuss these concerns. At these hui the idea of establishing a focus group to consider the patenting of life forms issue was raised. This lead to the establishment of the Maori Patenting of Life Forms Focus Group. The paper produced by the Focus Group was presented to the Minister of Commerce in April 1997. That paper is included in this publication.
In this Ministry paper, a number of issues have been outlined which are considered relevant to a discussion of the patenting of life forms. It is hoped the paper will assist in discussion of this issue at hui/workshops to be held throughout New Zealand in early 1999. The paper discusses:
- the present law on the patentability of biotechnology;
- the ethical and environmental concerns about the patenting of life forms and genetic material;
- New Zealand's international obligations in the patenting of life forms area;
- the treatment of patentability of life forms overseas;
- some specific Maori concerns about the patenting of life forms and genetic material; and
- possible options for reform of the Patents Act.
The Ministry of Commerce welcomes your written submissions on the issues outlined in both this paper and in the Focus Group's paper. Please feel free to attach other documents to your completed submission.
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